Czech infant regains vision after rare eye surgery at LV Prasad in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: A three-month-old infant from the Czech Republic regained functional vision after undergoing bilateral corneal transplantation for a rare congenital eye disorder at a Hyderabad-based eye institute.

The case highlights both the challenges of treating developmental corneal diseases in newborns and the importance of early surgical intervention.

Rare disorder affecting vision at birth

Baby Imad was born with severe bilateral Peters’ anomaly, a rare developmental condition in which the cornea is opaque at birth, blocking the passage of light into the eye and severely limiting vision. Both eyes were affected, with the left eye showing greater severity.

Infants with this condition often require early and complex surgical care because delayed treatment can permanently affect visual development during the critical early months of life.

After detailed clinical evaluation and counselling, doctors recommended bilateral full-thickness corneal grafting to establish a clear visual axis and support visual maturation.

Surgery and post-operative challenges

The child underwent bilateral corneal transplantation, followed by close post-operative monitoring and a strict medication protocol. Doctors noted that such cases often involve secondary complications.

In this instance, the left eye developed glaucoma, a known risk in severe Peters’ anomaly, which was managed with medication and a laser-based procedure known as transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) to stabilise intraocular pressure.

On follow-up visits, clinicians observed improved visual behaviour, including fixation and stronger visual engagement responses, indicating early functional visual development.

“In syndromic Peters’ anomaly, outcomes can be unpredictable, but timely intervention and meticulous follow-up can help establish a clear visual axis during a critical window of visual maturation,” said Dr Muralidhar Ramappa, pediatric cornea specialist at LVPEI, who has managed complex pediatric corneal referrals from over 50 countries over the past two decades.

Parents describe first visual response

The child’s parents described the emotional impact of the improvement in their son’s vision.

“When your child makes eye contact for the first time and smiles, the feeling is indescribable. LVPEI supported us medically and emotionally through every step,” they said.

Role of LV Prasad Eye Institute

The treatment was carried out at the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad. Established in 1987, LVPEI operates as a comprehensive eye health facility and is a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness.