13 elderly persons lose one eye vision after cataract surgery in Odisha

In an unfortunate incident, at least 13 elderly persons lost vision in one eye after undergoing cataract surgery at a private nursing home in Angul.

As per reports, the patients from the Angul, Banarpal and Athamallik areas developed severe eye infections leading to pain and loss of vision in the operated eyes. They developed symptoms after 24 hours of the surgery, experiencing pain and headache along with loss of vision.

Subsequently, they were admitted to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla for treatment. While 11 of the patients have been discharged, two of them are still undergoing treatment.

“We didn’t feel anything on the day of operation. However, after putting the eye drops, we felt severe pain, headache, infection and loss of vision after 24 hours. Then we were referred to VIMSAR,” said Surendranath Dey, a patient.

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The doctors have advised the discharged patients to visit the hospital for the next course of treatment after seven days. However, the doctors are not sure whether the patients will get back their clear vision after the treatment.

“We have given proper treatment to the patients. Even two patients needed surgery. There is no question of neglect in treatment. However, I can’t give any comment about the earlier operation. It might be a case of infection,” said Prof Pramod Sharma, a doctor of VIMSAR.

The district administration has reportedly sealed the private nursing home in the presence of police after the matter came to the fore. 

Angul Collector has directed the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) to investigate the matter and submit a report.