Bengaluru, 19th September, 2025: Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, a leading institution in advanced eye care, has successfully performed congenital cataract surgery on a six-week old infant in Bengaluru, one of the youngest cases in the India restoring sight and preventing lifelong visual disability. The complex procedure was led by world-renowned ophthalmologist, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman and Managing Director of Nethradhama, and marks a significant milestone in early paediatric vision care.
The patient was diagnosed with a dense monocular congenital cataract in one eye, with a dense fibrous plaque on the posterior capsule of the eye. Despite the extreme young age, the case was prioritised for surgery to prevent irreversible vision loss due to amblyopia (lazy eye). After a thorough systemic evaluation and specialist clearance from both a paediatrician and cardiologist, the baby was deemed fit for surgery, with no systemic or genetic causes identified.
Commenting on the rarity and complexity of the case, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh said, “Operating on a six-week old infant requires not only surgical expertise but also highly specialised anaesthesia and equipment. At this age, every day matters for the development of vision, and timely intervention can mean the difference between a lifetime of sight and blindness. Our role does not end with the surgery. There is a need for strict post-operative care, and parental involvement is crucial for the best possible outcome.”
The dense fibrous plaque was meticulously peeled, followed by posterior capsulotomy with anterior vitrectomy to ensure a clear visual axis. Intraocular lens implantation was deferred until the infant reaches 6–8 months of age, when accurate biometry will be possible. Until then, intermittent patching is being done to stimulate visual development in the operated eye.
The case presented significant anaesthetic challenges due to the infant’s small anatomy and fragility. Dr. Suman Shree R, Director, CEO, and HOD- Anaesthesiology at Nethradhama said, “Managing anaesthesia in an infant requires precision at every step – from airway safety to temperature control. This milestone reinforces Nethradhama’s commitment to delivering world-class outcomes in even the most delicate paediatric cases. It also highlights the depth of our multidisciplinary expertise, where surgical excellence and advanced anaesthesia come together to ensure that infants receive the best possible start to their visual journey.”
While highlighting the need for post-operative care, Prof. Dr. Sri Ganesh added, “Post-operative care is as important as the surgery itself. We are monitoring corneal clarity, corneal diameter to detect early glaucoma, and fixation response to ensure no amblyopia develops. We have counselled the parents extensively that surgery is only half the treatment. The other half lies in their commitment to medication compliance, patching schedules, and regular visits, which are critical for the child’s long-term visual development.”
The infant’s parents expressed deep gratitude for the swift diagnosis and guidance provided by the Nethradhama team, recalling the emotional moment when their baby first opened the eye after surgery.
“When we saw our baby open the eye and look at us, it was overwhelming,” the parents said. “We were very anxious when we first heard about the cataract, but the detailed counselling helped us understand the condition, the treatment, and the care needed afterwards. Throughout the process, our questions were answered and our concerns addressed, which gave us confidence. Seeing our child respond after the surgery is a moment we will always remember,” said the infant’s mother.
This patient case underscores the critical importance of early eye screening in newborns and infants. If a doctor or parent notices a white spot or anything unusual in the eye, the child should be taken to an eye specialist right away. Treating cataracts early can stop lifelong vision problems.