Infection after surgery leaves 7 blind in Khon Kaen

Up to seven patients have lost sight in one eye while two have been left completely blind after undergoing cataract surgery at the Khon Kaen Hospital. Some 25 patients underwent cataract surgery in the hospital between December 14 and 16.

Soon after the surgery was completed, the eyes of 11 patients were found to be infected. After administering immediate treatment, the hospital sent nine of the affected patients to the Srinagarindra Hospital, also located in Khon Kaen; while one was sent to a hospital in Nakhon Pathom at the request of relatives and one continued receiving treatment at the Khon Kaen Hospital. Of the 11 patients, the eyes of two patients had to be removed, while five lost their eyesight.

So far, four of the 11 patients have recovered satisfactorily, though six have been allowed to go home and the rest are still being treated at the Khon Kaen Hospital.

The Nation