Hyderabad, Jan 28: Sankara Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, successfully restored vision in a patient suffering from a critical case of retinal detachment, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis, specialist care, and timely surgical intervention.
The patient, a resident of Hyderabad, experienced a sudden loss of vision in one eye while travelling out of the station. After consulting multiple hospitals, he was diagnosed with retinal detachment, a vision-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgery. However, uncertainty around visual recovery and fear of the procedure led to a delay of nearly 20 days, significantly increasing the risk of permanent vision loss.
Upon approaching Sankara Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, the patient underwent a comprehensive retinal evaluation, which confirmed an advanced retinal detachment requiring urgent surgical management. The retinal team performed a vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade, a specialised procedure aimed at reattaching the retina and preserving visual function in complex and high-risk cases.
Dr Sriram Simakurthy, Chief Medical Officer, Sankara Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, said, “Retinal detachment is a true ocular emergency. Any delay in treatment can lead to irreversible vision loss, as the retina does not regenerate like other tissues. In this case, the prolonged gap between diagnosis and surgery significantly increased the risk. Timely intervention by trained retinal specialists remains the most critical factor in restoring sight.”
He further added, “Fear and misinformation often cause patients to postpone treatment. Our role is not only to provide advanced surgical care, but also to counsel patients with clarity and compassion so they can make timely decisions.”
Post-surgery, the patient has shown steady improvement in vision and continues to remain under follow-up care. The silicone oil used during surgery will be removed after six to eight weeks, as per standard protocol. The patient voluntarily shared his recovery experience, expressing gratitude for the reassurance and confidence provided by the medical team.
While retinal detachment is a commonly encountered condition in tertiary eye care centres, lack of awareness often leads to delayed presentation. Early warning signs include floaters, flashes of light, and sudden loss of vision. When treated promptly, even complex cases can achieve favourable outcomes.
This case highlights Sankara Eye Hospital’s continued commitment to preventing avoidable blindness through clinical excellence, patient education, and equitable access to eye care. The procedure was completed successfully, preventing possible future complications involving the eye and surrounding tissues. Equipped with specialised infrastructure and experienced clinicians, Sankara Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, continues to deliver advanced and compassionate eye care for complex cases.