Corneal Dystrophy Treatment in India

Vikram Johnson, a 48-year-old software engineer...

Vikram Johnson, a 48-year-old software engineer and avid amateur photographer, first noticed his vision becoming increasingly blurry and hazy about two years ago. He initially chalked it up to needing a new glasses prescription, but no lens seemed to fully correct the problem. Over time, he developed a painful sensitivity to light and a persistent feeling of having grit in his eyes, which made long hours at his computer screen unbearable. His beloved hobby of landscape photography became frustrating as colors lost their vibrancy and details blurred. After seeing his optometrist, he was referred to an ophthalmologist, Dr. Chen, who diagnosed him with Granular Corneal Dystrophy after a detailed slit-lamp examination. Dr. Chen explained that protein deposits were building up in the clear front part of his eye, clouding his vision. As the condition progressed and began to significantly impact his daily life, Dr. Chen recommended a phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), a laser procedure to gently remove the diseased surface layer of the cornea. Vikram was nervous about any procedure involving his eyes but trusted Dr. Chen. The PTK was performed as an outpatient procedure under topical anesthetic drops. It was quick and painless, though the bright light of the laser was startling. The immediate aftermath involved a bandage contact lens and several days of moderate discomfort, like a severe sunburn on his eye. Recovery required diligent use of antibiotic and steroid drops. Within a week, the haze began to clear. Six weeks post-procedure, Vikram's world had transformed. His vision was sharper and clearer than it had been in years. The painful sensitivity to light was gone. Emotionally, he had journeyed from frustration and fear of losing his ability to work and pursue his passion, to profound relief and joy. He felt a renewed sense of control, eagerly planning his first photography trip with his restored sight.