In a landmark achievement for India's medical sector, the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi Cantt has successfully performed the country's first-ever 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent surgery. This pioneering procedure marks a significant leap forward in the fight against glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
A Surgical Breakthrough Led by a Visionary Surgeon
The historic surgery was conducted under the leadership of Brigadier Dr Sanjay Mishra, a renowned eye surgeon originally from Mau, Uttar Pradesh, who heads the Ophthalmology Department at the hospital. This minimally invasive technique represents a paradigm shift in how glaucoma is managed, offering new hope for patients at risk of vision loss.
How the Advanced Glaucoma Treatment Works
The procedure combines two cutting-edge technologies to tackle the root cause of glaucoma—increased pressure inside the eye due to poor fluid drainage. First, surgeons use a high-clarity, movable Spectralis imaging system to perform a 3D angiography. A safe dye is injected, allowing doctors to map the eye's drainage channels in real-time, similar to watching a live video of plumbing pipes.
This imaging is paired with a 3D operating microscope, providing an immersive, high-definition view during the operation. Using this precise visual guidance, surgeons then implant a microscopic device called an iStent—smaller than a grain of rice—into the exact location where it can best improve the outflow of fluid, thereby safely reducing intraocular pressure.
Expanding Advanced Eye Care to Lucknow and Beyond
Following this successful debut in Delhi, the Armed Forces Medical Services has announced plans to deploy the same advanced system at the Command Hospital in Lucknow. This strategic move is set to dramatically enhance eye care capabilities for a vast population.
The Lucknow facility serves nearly 3.5 lakh (350,000) patients across six Indian states and even from Nepal, including thousands suffering from various eye conditions. The upcoming procurement and installation of this technology will position Command Hospital, Lucknow, as a major hub for advanced glaucoma treatment in Northern India.
Combating a Silent Threat to Vision
This innovation is particularly crucial for India, where glaucoma is a major public health concern. Often termed the "silent thief of sight," the disease typically shows no symptoms until significant, irreversible damage to the optic nerve has already occurred. The 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography technology enables early and accurate identification of blocked drainage channels, allowing for targeted intervention long before permanent vision loss sets in, thereby improving long-term patient outcomes substantially.
The integration of real-time 3D imaging with the precision of the iStent implant exemplifies how technological adoption is transforming specialized healthcare in India, offering more effective and less invasive solutions for complex conditions like glaucoma.
