A 64-year-old female, Maria Fernandes, was blind in one eye due to a failed corneal graft, having undergone the same at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. However, after waiting for 8 long years, she is now able to see again, because the expert team at ASG Eye Hospital, Goa, performed a corneal transplant, and replaced the cataractous lens with an Intraocular lens, restoring vision in her left eye and bringing a smile on her face.
Maria Fernandes said, “It was difficult for me at this age to think I would be able to see again, and going all the way to Chennai was a challenge. I am happy that we now have such facilities in Goa”.
The Medical Director of ASG Eye Hospital, Dr. Sean D silva, said that the hospital has performed four corneal transplants in the state of Goa since last month after being recognised as a fully equipped cornea transplant centre by the state government authorities.
Corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donated corneal tissue. Cornea is taken from the dead person, who had given consent to donate their eyes after their death. The cornea is collected within six hours of the donors’ death and is stored at eye banks.
Dr. Sean further said, “It is a big milestone for the state of Goa and we are extremely thankful to the Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane, who has wholeheartedly supported this endeavour, and also the Directorate of Health Services and Goa Medical College dean, Dr S M Bandekar and HOD, Ophthalmology, Dr Ugam Usgaonkar for all the guidance”.
