Specialist Indian Eye Facility in Accra, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital has announced the first ever “Keratoprosthesis” surgery, with the state-of-the-art equipment in Ghana.
This is an associated implantation tool and dedicated manufacturing process expected to restore sight for many who cannot benefit from cornea transplant.
Following successful trials on two patients who underwent surgical procedure recently with the facility, the state-of-the-art technology- first of its kind in the country will deliver best eye care treatment to eradicate near blindness cases among the Ghanaian population.
This surgical procedure, where a diseased cornea is replaced with partial artificial cornea is not commonly done in the sub-Saharan Africa, Ophthalmologists say.
The Medical Director of the Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital and Ghanaian Ophthalmologist, Dr. Asiwome Kwesi Seneadza addressing a Press conference in the capital-Accra said this is a specialized surgery with profound impact which would alleviate the suffering and disability of millions of people in the country.
“…With the help of Dr. Agarwal’s hospital, we managed to bring this state-of-the-art equipment to Ghana -Keratoprosthesis, without the need for people to travel outside Ghana.”
1st ever Keratoprosthesis Eye Surgery in Ghana
This is the story of a 29 year old female with extremely poor vision for four years. She developed Steven Johnson Syndrome- which is a disease of ocular surface following treatment of malaria which affected her vision. Her vision in both eyes were PL+. She was dependent on family members for day to day activities. She was not able to move around without assistance, watch television, eat food etc. She got operated in Dr. Agarwal’s Eye hospital with this special surgery- Keratoprosthesis. One eye was done on August, 31, 2017 and the other on October, 29, 2017. After the surgery on Day 1, patient had vision almost 95%.
The hospital through its 57 years of delivering world class eye care and treatment has won several awards. In March, 2006, the Founder of the hospital, the Late Dr. J Agarwal was awarded by the former president of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam for his service to the poor and humanity.
The five storey hospital facility has special equipment which include, AB Scanners, Auto Perimeter, fundus flourecein angiography (FFA), Optical Coherence Tomographers etc.