Cataract Surgeries Leave 18 Patients Blind in Greater Noida
A cataract surgery infection has led to devastating outcomes for patients treated at New Rajesh Hitech Hospital in Greater Noida. In a shocking turn of events, nine patients lost an eye, while nine others permanently lost vision in one eye after developing severe infections following cataract operations performed during a one day eye camp on February 1.
Health officials confirmed that 30 people underwent cataract surgery that day. Within just 24 hours, several patients began reporting intense pain, swelling, and discharge from the operated eye. As their condition worsened, 18 patients were rushed to higher centers in Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi.
One patient later regained partial vision. Sadly, many others were not as fortunate.
Hospital sealed, inquiry ordered
Following the incident, District Magistrate Deepak Meena ordered the hospital to be sealed and announced a magisterial inquiry.
He stated that authorities would cancel registrations and take strict action if anyone is found responsible.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajesh Jha called the episode a serious lapse in medical care. Meanwhile, laboratory culture reports from the health department have confirmed a bacterial infection as the cause of the outbreak.
Patients discharged early, symptoms began the next day
Many of the surgeries were carried out under the government funded Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Patients and their families allege that the hospital discharged them just hours after surgery. By the next day, several developed alarming symptoms, including bleeding, severe pain, and loss of vision.
As conditions deteriorated, doctors referred the most critical cases to major centers, including AIIMS Delhi.
In multiple cases, surgeons had no option but to remove the infected eye to prevent the infection from spreading to the brain or the remaining eye.
“I can no longer see”: patients share their ordeal
One affected patient, Paradeshi, said doctors at AIIMS Delhi informed him on February 17 that vision in his operated eye was gone and removal might still be necessary depending on reports.
Another patient, Sahwan Ali from Gola, described how bleeding began the day after surgery.
Her family rushed her to Delhi, where doctors removed her eye. “I can no longer see,” she said.
Shankarawati from Rahdauli, whose eye was removed at a Varanasi hospital, now fears for her remaining sight. She continues to experience pain and blurred vision. Her son warned that the family will pursue legal action if her second eye is affected.
Why this cataract surgery infection matters
Cataract surgery is usually safe and highly successful when proper sterilization and post operative care are followed. However, this cataract surgery infection highlights how quickly outcomes can turn tragic when protocols fail.
Medical experts stress that early discharge without close monitoring, poor infection control, or contaminated instruments can lead to aggressive eye infections that progress within hours.
Authorities are now examining surgical practices, operating room hygiene, and post surgery follow up at the sealed facility.
Conclusion
The inquiry report will decide accountability. Officials have assured families that action will follow, including cancellation of registrations if negligence is proven.
For now, several patients remain under treatment in Delhi, Lucknow, and Varanasi, while others face lifelong disability due to this cataract surgery infection.
This heartbreaking episode has raised urgent questions about safety standards in eye camps and private hospitals, and it serves as a stark reminder that even routine procedures demand strict medical oversight and patient centered care.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 22 February 2026
- 09:00
