Pune: A 27-year-old industrial worker has successfully regained his vision following a complex, high-risk emergency procedure at NIO Super Specialty Hospital, Pune, after a high-velocity metallic fragment penetrated deep into his right eye during a metal-pressing operation.
The incident occurred while the worker was performing his routine duties at an industrial unit in August this year. Assuming the injury was minor, he initially sought local primary care. However, two days later, he experienced severe pain and a rapid decline in vision. By the time he was brought to NIO Super Specialty Hospital—72 hours after the initial incident—he had suffered near-total loss of vision in his right eye.
Comprehensive clinical evaluation revealed that the patient had developed a traumatic cataract, severe vitreous haemorrhage and an aggressive intraocular infection (endophthalmitis). A Computerized Tomography (CT) scan confirmed a metallic intraocular foreign body measuring approximately 1 cm × 0.3 cm lodged deep within the eyeball. Recognizing the immense threat of permanent blindness, the surgical team at NIO executed an immediate multi-step emergency surgery in a single sitting.
“Operating on the principle that ‘Time is Vision,’ we performed Cataract Extraction, Intraocular Lens Implantation, Vitrectomy, Intraocular Foreign Body Removal, Endolaser and Targeted Intravitreal Antibiotic Injections all in one procedure to accelerate visual rehabilitation,” said Dr. Akshay Kothari, Phaco-Refractive & Vitreo-Retina Surgeon at NIO Super Specialty Hospital. “Vitreous fluid was also sent for microbiological culture to identify and target the causative organism.”
Following the surgery and a targeted post-operative regimen of oral antimicrobials and eyedrops, the aggressive infection was fully controlled. The patient’s vision was successfully restored, allowing him to return to work and resume his daily life. Doctors emphasized that long-term follow-up visits remain vital to ensure lasting stability.
Dr. Aditya Kelkar, Director, NIO Super Specialty Hospital highlighted the risks of serious ocular trauma involving high-velocity particles. “Metallic fragments can penetrate the ocular structures and, when retained inside the eye, can result in severe tissue damage, infection and permanent vision loss. Timely imaging, identification and surgical removal of an intraocular foreign body, along with appropriate antimicrobial treatment when indicated, can help prevent serious complications and improve the chances of preserving vision. In this case, due to our surgical team’s capability to provide complex and timely treatment, we were able to help the patient gain useful vision and help him return back to his normal life.”
Dr. Kothari further recommended that workers involved in metal pressing, grinding, cutting and similar operations should always use appropriate certified high-impact safety glasses or face shields.
“Any eye injury involving a high-velocity particle or suspected foreign body should be evaluated immediately by an ophthalmologist, even if the initial symptoms are minor,” Dr. Kelkar concluded.
About NIO Super Specialty Eye Hospital:
The National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO) is Pune’s first NABH and JCI-accredited eye hospital, with state-of-the-art facilities in Shivaji Nagar. Led by Dr. Aditya Kelkar and Dr. Jai Kelkar, NIO is renowned for clinical excellence and advanced treatment of complex eye diseases. NIO has a dedicated team of more than 130+ highly trained personnel. It employs some of the most well-known and leading experts in ophthalmology who bring their vast skill and experiences to serve the diverse needs of the patients. Due to this, the hospital has earned a reputation of clinical excellence in the treatment of complex eye diseases.