EyeCare Hospital achieves milestone with first Combined Belt Buckle and Pars Plana Vitrectomy Surgery in the Maldives

EyeCare Hospital has achieved a remarkable milestone with the successful completion of its first Combined Belt Buckle with Pars Plana Vitrectomy procedure.

The surgery, performed on 2 November 2025, by Dr. Amogh Asgaonkar, Consultant in Vitreo-Retina, ROP, and Phacoemulsification Surgery, was carried out on a 51-year-old Maldivian patient.

The operation addressed a complex case of retinal detachment in a highly myopic eye, a condition that demands exceptional precision, steady hands and seamless teamwork in the operating theatre.

A healthy retina is vital for clear vision and when it detaches from its normal position, it can lead to sudden, painless loss of sight. Factors such as high myopia (short-sightedness), uncontrolled diabetes, eye trauma, and chronic inflammation can all increase the risk. Regular eye screenings play a crucial role in detecting such issues early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing permanent vision loss.

Scleral buckling, a key part of this procedure, involves carefully opening the outer coat of the eye (the conjunctiva) and placing a soft silicone band around the eye beneath the extraocular muscles.

This delicate process, performed under local anesthesia, ensures patient comfort while externally supporting the detached retina.

In addition to the scleral buckle, the Pars Plana Vitrectomy allows for internal retinal stabilization through advanced techniques such as endolaser treatment and silicone oil injection.

Together, these procedures restore the retina’s position and promote healing.

After surgery, patients are advised to follow specific postoperative care guidelines, including rest, proper head positioning and adherence to prescribed eye care precautions. Since retinal detachment remains a serious, sight-threatening condition, preventive screening remains the best strategy for at-risk individuals.

This successful surgery represents a major leap forward for ophthalmic care in the Maldives. It not only marks EyeCare Hospital’s first major retinal surgery of this kind but also the first to be performed in the country.

With this achievement, Maldivian patients can now access advanced retinal procedures locally, reducing the need to travel abroad for specialized treatment, a bright step forward for eye health in the nation.