Thaindian News

Lucknow, Feb 9 (IANS) As many as 22 patients complained of blurred vision and eye infection after undergoing cataract surgery at a free eye camp here, following which two government doctors have been suspended, an official said Monday.

“The infection seems to be severe and there is a possibility that it can permanently affect their eyesight,” Director General (Medical and Health) I.S. Srivastava told IANS.

He said the patients underwent the cataract surgery Feb 6 in the free eye camp organised by two doctors of Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University (CSMMU) at a primary health centre in Sarojini Nagar locality. CSMMU was formerly known as King George’s Medical College.

The patients, aged between 60-70 years, were rushed to the CSMMU Sunday night when they complained of blurred vision, swelling and itching in their eyes.

Srivastava said a three-member team has been constituted to probe into the matter. “The inquiry team will submit its report within three days to the state government.”

“The cause of infection is still not known. We have sealed the operation theatre where the surgeries were performed and directed the doctors not to hold any eye camp till the completion of the inquiry,” said Srivastava.

Asked whether any patient has complained of blindness, he said: “Anything in this regard can be said only after three days as they are still under treatment.”

However, according to sources, three patients have complained of blindness following the cataract surgery. They said the incident took place as contaminated ringer lactate solution was used during the surgery.

In December 2008, nine patients lost their eyesight after undergoing cataract surgery at a government aided eye hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district.