First of its kind corneal nerve replacement surgery in the world performed by Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital eye surgeon

In a first of its kind corneal surgery in the world which offers far-reaching potential to revolutionize ophthalmic surgical techniques, Dr. Sunil Moreker, consulting eye surgeon, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital (NSSH), performed reinnervation surgery of cornea on a diabetic patient. Though a similar surgery has been performed in the USA, NSSH in India holds the first-time record for combining this surgery with a glaucoma surgery.

Commenting on the complex surgical procedure, Dr Moreker stated, “The patient who was diabetic had lost sensation in his cornea which had turned opaque akin to a leprosy patient who loses sense of touch in his hands and feet. The patient had developed a condition termed as neurotrophic ulcer, a disease in which impaired corneal innervation causes a reduction in corneal sensitivity or complete corneal anesthesia, a hallmark of this disease. This may cause ulceration or perforation of cornea and loss of eye as the impaired or lost innervation, rendering sensationless the occurrence of any injury. In this case, we replaced the affected nerve and sensation in the cornea was restored, bringing the vision back.”

Findings of the surgery were published in the prestigious Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Ophthalmology, reiterating on the fact that vision can be completely restored through this surgical technique. Dr Moreker chaired and addressed a session at the World Ophthalmology Congress (WOC) which dwelt on advances in corneal reinnervation surgeries. This is an august gathering with participation of over 20,000 eye surgeons from 105 countries representing 71 supranational, regional, national, and sub-specialty ophthalmology societies, contributing to scientific advances in ophthalmology. Over 900 speakers from 100 countries deliberated on the recent developments in the field of ophthalmology at the event. The Congress has been held uninterrupted every two years since 1857 and was organized this year over February 5-9 in Mexico.