Vision Restored After 9 Years at the S. V. Malayan Ophthalmology Center

An exceptional medical achievement has been recorded at the S. V. Malayan Ophthalmology Center. As a result of years of coordinated and dedicated work by the center’s medical team, the vision of patient Artashes Kirakosyan has been successfully restored after nearly nine years.

The treatment process was long and complex, consisting of multiple stages. At the initial stage, Head of the Glaucoma Department Lilit Voskanian performed antiglaucomatous surgery with implantation of an Ahmed valve to regulate intraocular pressure and preserve the optic nerve.

At a later stage, Head of the Oculoplastic and Neuro-Ophthalmology Department Armine Gharakeshishyan carried out reconstructive surgery to ensure proper eyelid function and to prevent further damage to the cornea.

The final and decisive step of the treatment was corneal transplantation, performed by Professor Anna Hovakimyan of the Department of Inflammatory Eye Diseases. The surgery was successful, enabling Artashes Kirakosyan to regain his vision after many years of struggle.

It is noteworthy that the patient had been completely deprived of vision for approximately nine years following a chemical burn.

During the procedure, a Boston Type I keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea implantation) was performed at the S. V. Malayan Ophthalmology Center. Professor Anna Hovakimyan has been performing such complex surgeries for nearly 20 years. This particular operation was carried out in collaboration with colleagues from the United States who visited Armenia as part of the Armenian EyeCare Project.

The keratoprosthesis was brought to Armenia by the American specialists as a donation, making it possible to perform this high-cost and globally rare procedure completely free of charge for the patient.

Immediately after the surgery, the patient demonstrated significant visual acuity, allowing him to regain independence and return to a full and active life.