Vision Possible: Bengaluru eye surgeons restore sight in infant in rare milestone procedure

Bengaluru: In a heart-warming medical breakthrough, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital has given the gift of sight to a six-week-old infant, making it one of the youngest cataract surgeries ever performed in India.

The delicate procedure was led by world-renowned ophthalmic surgeon, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director of Nethradhama, with anaesthesia expertise provided by Dr. Suman Shree R, Director, CEO and HOD, Anaesthesiology.

The infant was diagnosed with a dense monocular congenital cataract, complicated by a fibrous plaque, making the surgery technically demanding and requiring precision instruments and specialised paediatric anaesthesia.

Left untreated, the condition would have caused irreversible vision loss and lifelong disability.

“Operating on a six-week-old infant requires not only surgical expertise but also highly specialised anaesthesia and equipment,” said Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh.

“At this age, every single day matters for the development of vision. Timely intervention can mean the difference between a lifetime of sight and blindness. But surgery is just the beginning — the true success lies in post-operative care and parental commitment.”

The surgery involved meticulously peeling the fibrous plaque, performing a posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy to create a clear visual pathway.

An intraocular lens will be implanted when the baby is older and more stable for accurate measurements. Until then, patching therapy is being used to stimulate visual development in the operated eye.

Anaesthesia posed its own challenges, given the infant’s fragility. Dr. Suman Shree R explained, “Managing anaesthesia in a six-week-old is about precision at every step — from airway safety to temperature control. This case highlights the importance of teamwork between surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and paediatric specialists in achieving such outcomes.”

The baby’s parents described the experience as overwhelming yet life-changing. “When we saw our baby open the eye and look at us for the first time, it brought tears to our eyes,” said the infant’s mother. “We were terrified at the diagnosis, but the doctors guided us with compassion and clarity. Today, we feel blessed to witness our child’s first steps toward a life with vision.”

This remarkable achievement not only restores sight but also restores hope —showcasing how timely intervention, advanced medical expertise, and the trust of parents can together change the course of a child’s future.