KENIA EYE HOSPITAL
Paediatric Ophthalmology & Glaucoma Services | Santacruz West, Mumbai
PATIENT PROFILE
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Patient | Palak (first name only, patient is a minor) |
| Age | 11 years |
| Gender | Female |
| City | Mumbai |
| Presenting Complaint | Long-standing bilateral eye discomfort with reduced vision noticed by the child from a young age |
| Diagnosis | Bilateral Severe Allergic Eye Disease (consistent with Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis) with Secondary Raised Intraocular Pressure |
| Underlying Trigger for Glaucoma | Prolonged topical steroid therapy used to control the chronic ocular allergy |
| Previous Treatments | Long-term anti-allergic and steroid-based eye drop regimens |
| Procedure Performed | Bilateral eye surgery to control intraocular pressure, alongside structured medical management for the allergy |
| Surgeon | Dr. Vaishal Kenia |
| Outcome | Excellent — allergy controlled, eye pressure normalised, good vision maintained in both eyes |
THE PROBLEM
Condition
The patient, an 11-year-old girl, presented with a complex bilateral eye problem that had been affecting her from a very young age. She had a severe, long-standing ocular allergy consistent with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, a chronic allergic eye condition that is more common in children and often requires prolonged medical therapy. The recurring allergic flare-ups had been managed for a long period with topical steroid eye drops, which, while effective for the allergy, contributed to a serious secondary complication: a marked rise in intraocular pressure in both eyes. Left unaddressed, this raised pressure could damage the optic nerve and cause permanent loss of vision at a very young age.
Emotional & Psychological Impact on the Family
For the family, watching a young child struggle with recurring eye discomfort and progressively reduced vision was a source of significant anxiety. The realisation that the very medications used to control the allergy were contributing to another sight-threatening problem made the case particularly challenging. Their priority was clear: a specialist who could look at the entire picture, address both problems together, and protect her long-term vision. That opportunity came through referral to Dr. Vaishal Kenia at Kenia Eye Hospital, Santacruz West.
CONSULTATION & TREATMENT PLAN
What Was Assessed During the Consultation?
- Detailed history of the ocular allergy, including duration, severity, and previous medications used
- Complete anterior segment examination for signs of chronic allergic inflammation
- Intraocular pressure measurement in both eyes (found to be significantly elevated)
- Optic nerve head evaluation to check for glaucomatous changes
- Visual acuity assessment appropriate to the child's age
- Overall paediatric ocular health and general medical fitness for surgery
Why a Combined Surgical and Medical Plan Was Chosen
Because two problems were driving the child's vision loss, both had to be addressed together. Medical therapy alone would not lower the intraocular pressure to a safe long-term level, and simply continuing the existing steroid drops would keep worsening the pressure. Dr. Vaishal Kenia planned a systematic, meticulous approach: definitive surgical control of the raised intraocular pressure in both eyes, alongside a carefully monitored medical regimen to control the underlying allergic disease without further steroid dependence. This dual approach protected the optic nerve while stabilising the ocular surface.
- Bilateral surgical control of intraocular pressure to protect the developing optic nerve
- Structured medical management of the underlying allergic eye disease
- Steroid drops replaced with a monitored, sparing regimen wherever possible
- Regular paediatric follow-up planned to track pressure, ocular surface, and vision
PROCEDURE DETAILS
Step-by-Step Overview
- Patient identity, eye to be operated, and pre-operative parameters confirmed prior to entering the operating room
- Appropriate paediatric anaesthesia administered for a safe, controlled procedure
- Sterile preparation and draping of the operative eye
- Surgical intervention performed to establish safe intraocular pressure control
- Wound integrity confirmed at the end of the procedure
- Protective eye shield placed; child monitored during recovery
- Same protocol followed for the second eye in a subsequent session as per the surgical plan
| Procedure Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Bilateral surgical intervention for intraocular pressure control |
| Indication | Severe allergic eye disease complicated by raised intraocular pressure in both eyes |
| Anaesthesia | Age-appropriate paediatric anaesthesia |
| Additional Management | Structured medical treatment of the underlying allergic condition |
| Intraoperative Complications | None |
| Hospital Stay | As per paediatric surgical protocol; detailed discharge instructions provided to the family |
POST-OPERATIVE RESULTS
Following the systematic surgical and medical plan, the child's intraocular pressure came down to a safe range in both eyes, and the recurring allergic flare-ups were brought under stable control. Vision was preserved in both eyes and continues to be maintained on follow-up. The family described the result as a resolution of a long-standing problem that had shadowed the child's early years.
OUTCOMES AT A GLANCE
| Outcome Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Intraocular Pressure | ✔ Reduced to a safe target range in both eyes |
| Ocular Allergy | ✔ Controlled with a monitored medical regimen |
| Vision | ✔ Preserved and maintained in both eyes |
| Optic Nerve Protection | ✔ Long-term damage prevented |
| Steroid Dependence | ✔ Reduced through structured allergy management |
| Family Satisfaction | ✔ Very high — long-standing problem described as solved |
| Complications | ✔ None |
FAMILY FEEDBACK
"Our daughter had been troubled by eye problems from a very young age. She could not see well from either eye, and despite continuous treatment, her condition had become more complicated. At Kenia Eye Hospital, Dr. Vaishal Kenia examined her thoroughly and explained the plan clearly. Surgery was carried out in both eyes to control the eye pressure, and her allergy was treated properly. Today she has good vision and her eye pressure is stable. What felt like a very complicated case was solved with a systematic and caring approach."
Patient: Palak · Female · 11 years · Mumbai
Testimonial: Provided by the patient's family
Procedure: Bilateral Surgery for Intraocular Pressure Control with Medical Management of Ocular Allergy
Hospital: Kenia Eye Hospital, Santacruz West, Mumbai
Surgeon: Dr. Vaishal Kenia
POST-PROCEDURE CARE & LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP
Instructions Given to the Family
- Prescribed post-operative eye drops to be given exactly as directed by the treating team
- Long-term steroid drops replaced by a carefully monitored allergy regimen
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on the operated eyes during the healing period
- Protective eyewear during dusty or outdoor exposure to reduce allergy triggers
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits for pressure and ocular surface monitoring
- Report any redness, watering, or discomfort promptly for early review
Follow-Up Timeline
| Timeframe | What the Family Can Expect |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | First clinical review after each surgery. Pressure, wound healing, and ocular surface assessed. |
| Week 2–4 | Frequent monitoring visits. Allergy control adjusted. Vision continues to stabilise. |
| Month 1–3 | Long-term intraocular pressure stability confirmed. Vision recorded at each visit. |
| Long-Term | Routine paediatric ophthalmology and glaucoma follow-up continues to monitor vision, pressure, and allergy status. |