EyeCare Hospital proudly announces the successful completion of its first Combined Belt Buckle with Pars Plana Vitrectomy, performed by Dr. Amogh Asgaonkar (Consultant in Vitreo Retina, ROP & Phacoemulsification Surgery) in a 51years old Maldivian patient on 2nd November 2025.
The surgery was conducted to treat a complex case of retinal detachment in a highly myopic eye. This intricate and demanding procedure required exceptional surgical expertise, precision, and teamwork.
A healthy retina is essential for maintaining clear vision. When the retina becomes detached from its normal position, it results in a condition known as retinal detachment, which can cause sudden, painless loss of vision. Several factors can increase the risk of retinal detachment, including high myopia (short-sightedness), uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (leading to tractional retinal detachment), eye trauma, and chronic eye inflammation.
It is therefore crucial that individuals with these risk factors undergo regular eye screening. Early detection allows for timely treatment, which can help prevent retinal detachment and the risk of permanent vision loss.
Scleral buckling is a highly specialized surgery in which the outer coat of the eye (conjunctiva) is carefully opened, and a soft silicone band is placed around the eye beneath the extraocular muscles, within small pockets created in the sclera. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring that the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout.
This delicate, microscope-assisted surgery requires close coordination between a skilled surgeon and a trained operating team. The silicone band supports the detached retina externally, while additional intraocular procedures such as Pars Plana Vitrectomy, Endolaser, and Silicone Oil Injection provide internal stabilization.
Following surgery, patients are advised to maintain adequate rest, proper head positioning, and follow prescribed eye care precautions. As retinal detachment is a serious, vision-threatening condition with a guarded prognosis after surgery, preventive screening remains the best approach for those at risk.
This achievement marks a significant milestone, being the first major retinal surgery of its kind performed not only at EyeCare Hospital, but also within the Maldives. The success of this complex procedure represents a major advancement in ophthalmic care in the country, ensuring that Maldivian patients can now access advanced retinal surgeries locally, without the need to travel abroad for specialized treatment.
