Army Hospital R&R Achieves India’s First 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography with iStent

New Delhi- The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday announced that the Ophthalmology Department of the Army Hospital Research and Referral (AHRR) has successfully carried out India’s first-ever 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography combined with iStent implantation, marking a major advancement in glaucoma treatment through the integration of advanced imaging and minimally invasive surgery.

The landmark procedure was performed using a newly introduced stand-mounted Spectralis imaging system along with a state-of-the-art 3D operating microscope. According to the ministry, this achievement places the Armed Forces Medical Services among global leaders in advanced ophthalmic care and represents a significant milestone in Indian medical history.

As a first-of-its-kind procedure in the country, the use of 3D Flex Aqueous Angiography alongside iStent-based Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery sets a new standard in glaucoma management. The technique enables superior intraoperative visualisation of aqueous outflow pathways, allowing for more precise surgical intervention and improved long-term clinical outcomes.

For the Armed Forces community, the breakthrough is both a medical and strategic achievement, contributing to better vision care and enhanced operational readiness. Glaucoma, which is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, is particularly challenging due to its silent and progressive nature. This innovation offers real-time insights that help surgeons deliver targeted and effective treatment.

The ministry also highlighted AHRR’s recent achievements in ophthalmology. In August this year, the hospital became the first government institution in India and the second in South Asia to perform Robotic Custom Laser Cataract Surgery using the advanced ALLY Adaptive Cataract Treatment System. This marked the department’s entry into robotic, bladeless, and computer-guided eye surgery through its first Femto-second Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS).

The adoption of such cutting-edge technologies at AHRR reflects the Armed Forces’ continued commitment to providing advanced, safe, and high-quality healthcare services to its personnel and their families, the statement said.

With inputs from IANS