JAIPUR: Five patients who suffered severe infections after cataract surgery at govt-run Kuchaman Hospital have been discharged from Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, but none has regained vision in the operated eye.Officials said the infections have been brought under control and the patients are medically stable. Doctors, however, said their corneas remain severely damaged and further treatment options may be limited, raising fears that all five may have permanently lost sight in one eye.The patients — Ghasiram, 64, Hiraram, 73, Gokul, 70, Meera Devi, 58, and Narayani, 67 — underwent cataract surgeries on July 28 at Kuchaman Hospital in Didwana-Kuchaman district. Within a day, they returned with severe pain, swelling and whitening of the operated eyes. As their condition worsened, they were referred to SMS Hospital on July 30.At SMS, doctors performed vitrectomy surgeries to control the infection, prevent its spread and try to save their vision. Culture reports later confirmed serious post-operative infections caused by Enterobacter bacteria. In one case, doctors found a mixed infection involving Enterobacter and Pseudomonas, both known to cause aggressive surgical infections and resist common antibiotics.Families said the discharge has brought little comfort.“All five were discharged on Friday. We came for follow-up today, but none of them can see from the operated eye. The eyes are still opaque and they still have pain,” said Bhadu Ram, son-in-law of Hiraram.Narayani’s son, Jeevan Chaudhary, said, “There is slight improvement, but she cannot see. She is still blind in the operated eye. They told us infection damaged the vision during cataract surgery. Who will be responsible?”SMS Hospital officials said the patients were discharged only after the infections were controlled. They will need prolonged treatment, have been given medicines and asked to return for follow-up in 10 days.The cases have raised serious concerns over surgical safety and infection-control practices at Kuchaman Hospital. Health department officials said an investigation has begun into possible lapses.
