By Eva C. Visperas

 

A groundbreaking medical procedure at Region 1 Medical Center’s (R1MC) Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Center restored the vision of a patient who had long suffered from severe eye damage due to a chemical injury.

For the first time in Pangasinan, the Boston Keratoprosthesis, a cutting-edge procedure for corneal damage, was successfully performed recently, marking a new era in vision restoration in the region.

Leading the groundbreaking surgery were Dr. Ma. Dominga “Minguita” Padilla, a renowned cornea specialist and founder of the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, alongside Dr. Sharlene Noguera and Dr. Abigail Montes of R1MC.

We sat down for an interview on January 28 with Dr. Angelito Braulio de Venecia III and Dr. Noguera, chairman and training officer respectively at the R1MC’s Eye Center.

The patient, a man in his 60s from Calasiao, suffered severe eye burns after an unknown chemical was thrown at him. The damage left him with nearly no vision, making a traditional corneal transplant impossible. Dr. Noguera explained that the injury’s severity meant his eyes lacked the cells needed for healing, ruling out a standard transplant.

The Boston Keratoprosthesis offers a solution for cases like this, where the cornea is severely damaged and cannot be replaced with a donor’s cornea. The procedure involves implanting an artificial cornea, providing a better chance of restoring vision and preventing rejection.

“The Boston KPro is an ideal treatment for patients who have no other options, such as those with chemical injuries or severe scarring,” Dr. Noguera said, adding that “it’s a huge breakthrough for us, and we are proud to bring this procedure to Pangasinan.”

The surgery, which took about one hour under general anesthesia, was deemed a success. The patient, who was unable to see anything but light and hand movements before the procedure, now has a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/63, significantly improving his quality of life. After surgery, the patient was visibly emotional upon being able to see again for the first time in over two years.

“I couldn’t believe it. I haven’t been able to see for so long, and now I can. It’s a miracle,” the patient told his doctors.

Kudos to Dr. Padilla, who assisted in the procedure, and being the founder of the Eye Bank Foundation, restoring vision is close to her heart.

Although the procedure is technically simple, post-operative care is crucial. The patient will need frequent follow-ups to monitor for complications, like infections, that could affect the prosthesis. Dr. Noguera stressed the need for close monitoring, with check-ups every few days initially, then weekly as the condition stabilizes.

Despite its high cost — around $600 (about P35,000) for the prosthesis alone — Dr. Noguera noted that the procedure was offered as part of the hospital’s charity program, with PhilHealth covering the majority of the expenses.

Dr. Venecia also expressed his excitement about the success of the procedure. He highlighted the significance of bringing such advanced treatments to the region, saying, “This is a major milestone for the people of Pangasinan. It shows that we are now able to provide world-class eye care right here at Region 1 Medical Center.”

As the team celebrates this medical achievement, the Eye Center is also working toward expanding its services.

One initiative they are passionate about is establishing a satellite Eye Bank in Pangasinan. Currently, eye donations in the Philippines are primarily processed in Manila, but with more local donations and a retrieval center, they hope to ensure a steady supply of donor corneas to serve the needs of local patients.

Dr. Noguera also underscored the importance of eye donation. “It’s crucial that people consider becoming donors. By donating, you can give the gift of sight to someone in need,” she said.

For now, the R1MC’s Eye Center continues to offer advanced ophthalmic services, operating Monday through Saturday. With a dedicated team of specialists, they are committed to providing exceptional eye care to all patients.

This historic surgery represents the beginning of a new era in vision restoration for Pangasinan, and R1MC is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation.

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