CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A unique medical achievement has emerged at the Cornea Transplant Centre of Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre (BMHRC). Using donor corneal tissue sent by an eye bank in Kerala, vision was restored in two separate patients. This is likely the first case in Bhopal where different parts of the same cornea were used to restore the sight of two individuals.
In this process, one part of the cornea was successfully transplanted into a patient at a private hospital in Bhopal, while the other part helped a 66-year-old gas tragedy victim regain vision at BMHRC. The patient had previously lost vision due to a failed cataract surgery and was suffering from a condition called Corneal Endothelial Failure. In this condition, the innermost layer of the eye stops functioning properly, causing blurred vision.
At BMHRC, visiting consultant Dr. Prateek Gurjar, under the supervision of Dr. Hemlata Yadav, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, performed the advanced Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery — a highly complex technique.
What is DMEK Surgery?
It is a modern microsurgical procedure where only the damaged endothelial layer of the cornea is removed and replaced with a healthy donor layer. The process does not require stitches and enables faster visual recovery.
How can one cornea help two people see again?
The cornea has two main layers — the stroma (middle layer) and the endothelium (inner layer). With advanced microsurgical techniques, these two layers can be separated and used for different patients, provided the donor tissue is of high quality and the recipients’ conditions and needs are distinct.
BMHRC Director Dr. Manisha Srivastava said:
“This achievement is a testament to the medical expertise and dedication at BMHRC. With increased awareness about eye donation and the support of modern techniques, one donor can now transform two lives. We urge citizens to consider eye donation and help brighten someone else’s world.”
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