14 patients developed infection after cataract operation'

Chandigarh: Fourteen patients from Panipat in Haryana have developed "serious infection" in their eyes after undergoing cataract operation.

"They have developed serious infection. It is generally caused by contaminated solution," PGIMER, Head of Advanced Eye Care Centre Dr Amod Gupta said today.

However, he said it is too early to say whether they could see from the "infected eyes."

Doctors confirmed that patients have developed "serious infection" which is called 'Endophthalmitis', caused by some "contaminated solution" during operation.

"The source (of infection) is from outside the body which means it could be from whatever was used during operation," he added.

Asked whether patients will be able to see from infected eyes, Gupta said that it was too early to say.

"It will take several days for the final outcome to come. The condition of patients is very serious (in terms of eyes). What will happen to their eyes, it is very difficult to say now with authority," Gupta said.

However, given the serious condition of patients, Gupta said they will have to stay in the hospital for at least 10-15 days.

He said that the antibiotic which was being given to patients would bring some improvement in them.

"The antibiotic which we are giving is sensitive. Hopefully they will show some improvement," he said.

At least 14 people had complained of "infection" in their eyes after undergoing operations conducted by an NGO in Panipat on March 11.

All these patients were admitted to PGIMER Chandigarh.

Taking a serious note of the incident, Haryana government yesterday ordered an inquiry into the issue and had promised to bear the entire expenditure incurred on their treatment.

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij had yesterday described the incident as unfortunate, saying that strict action would be taken against the guilty.

Vij yesterday enquired the condition of 14 out of 19 patients who had been admitted to PGIMER here. The remaining five are being treated in Panipat.