PUNE: The cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques for vision correction invented by Pune-based eye surgeon Dr. Jeevan Ladi are transforming the field of laser vision. 

Explaining a recent case, Dr. Jeevan Ladi, Founder of Dada Eye Laser Institute said that a 30-year-old male from Sudan came to his clinic in the first week of January 2025. He was visibly dejected as all of the experts that he had met outside India told him not to go for laser vision correction as his cornea was thin.  He had high myopia with a power of -7 in the right eye and -6 in the left eye, and the thickness of his Cornea, on which the Laser was done, was less.

Dr. Ladi added that the challenge in thin cornea is that there isn’t enough tissue to adequately correct refractive errors. However, the technique of Variable Optic Zone (VOZ) works by utilizing the concept of minimal tissue consumption depending on the size of the pupil. With the use of modern imaging technology, which uses a special type of laser light for accuracy, the size of the pupil is measured under different lighting conditions. This data is then utilized to decide the amount of tissue in the cornea that needs to be treated by Laser. It uses special software to do the necessary calculations to treat tissue, depending on the size of the pupil, to avoid photic phenomena such as glare and halos. This innovation has revolutionized the way we treat vision correction as it is tailored to each individual’s needs. The technique is suitable for people going for vision correction in the age group 18-60 years to get rid of glasses.

The procedure was performed on the Sudanese male on 4th January 2025. He regained his natural vision quickly and was very happy with the result. He went back to Sudan on 8th January 2025.

Dr. Ladi added that the other technique he uses is SAFE (Shearing Applied Force Extraction). This is a technique used in modern LASIK lasers such as Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) to help minimize the amount of inflammation to the cornea and to aid in rapid healing and visual recovery. This method also eliminates the need for blades and flaps, making the surgery painless and reducing the overall procedure time. Those undergoing laser treatment for their vision can resume their regular activities almost immediately after the procedure.

VOZ saves more than 30% of tissue, increasing safety, while SAFE helps in regaining vision quickly. Both the techniques developed between 2022 and 2023 have helped many patients with safe vision correction. The articles authored by Dr. Ladi on these techniques have been published in reputed national and international journals.

What’s interesting is that some eye experts have also undergone these procedures. Pune-based private practitioner and eye surgeon Dr. Manasi Godbole-Gharpure said, “I was wearing glasses from my childhood for short-sightedness, also known as Myopia. I always wanted to get rid of my glasses. I underwent the innovative Laser treatment of Dr. Jeevan Ladi myself & could resume my routine work immediately. Not only the Indian population, who have relatively less thickness of the cornea but also people from all over the world will benefit from VOZ & SAFE. I could start eye surgeries on my patients just 4 days after my laser surgery.”

Cataract Surgery Accuracy Enhanced by The Ladi Method

Thousands of eyes and counting, “The Ladi Method” is helping detect the power of lenses in a cost-effective way with excellent results.

The Ladi method, another technique invented by Dr. Jeevan Ladi is keeping cataract surgeries within the reach of common people by providing a cost-effective technique to detect the power of the lens. The method received copyright in 2023 and has benefitted thousands of patients undergoing cataract surgeries.

Dr. Jeevan Ladi said, “Cataracts are one of the major causes of blindness in India. After the surgery, an artificial lens is implanted inside the eye for spectacle independence. The Ladi method uses ultrasound to find the power of the lens. Compared to other methods it is inexpensive and within the reach of common people, delivering excellent results.”

Dr. Ladi added that the natural lens of the eye is removed during the cataract surgery and replaced with an artificial one which is called IOL (Intraocular Lens). Pre-cataract surgery measurements are a critical part of the process and contribute to the outcome of the surgery. This helps in spectacle independence post-surgery as the power of Lens is calculated more accurately. The measurements are run through a formula to determine the lens to be used.

The method is inexpensive and accurate and therefore brings benefits to all sections of society. Another advantage of the method is that it can be used with any technique of cataract surgeries like Laser, robotic, phaco, and manual surgeries.

Prof Dr Mrs Ranjana Pande, an Eye Surgeon & patient, and former professor of the Department of Ophthalmology, at B J Medical College & Sassoon General Hospital Pune, said, “Since I believed in the technology, I underwent cataract surgery with The Ladi Method by Dr Jeevan Ladi. Now I am spectacle-free for all my activities in daily work. This Ultrasound-based method is inexpensive and will help not only developing countries like India but all sections of society the world over.“

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PUNE: A team of doctors at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre performed optic nerve decompression, bony fixation to restore vision and bone grafting, and skull reconstruction to correct facial injuries near the eye orbit of a 26-year-old girl. The young IT professional had suffered complex injuries including eye orbit and lost her vision after being hit with stones hurled by a drunken person near the Ramtekdi area. A team of doctors at Noble Hospital and Research Centre including ENT expert Dr.Sudhir Halikar, Plastic surgeons Dr.Ravi Swaminathan and Dr Manoj Pawar, and ophthalmologist Dr. Sachin Bodhale pursued the case for six months with two complex procedures.

Explaining the case of Dr. Ravi Swaminathan. Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre said that about six months back the young girl was brought to our hospital with heavy bleeding cuts near her eye and fractured eye bones. She was riding a pillion on a bike when she was hit on the side of her eye. The soft tissue and bony injury had caused compression of her optic nerve and she had lost her vision.  She had also suffered serious facial injuries and that had complicated the situation. He added that the priority was to restore her vision.

A team at Nobel Hospitals under the leadership of ENT expert Dr.Sudhir Halikar and plastic surgeons Dr. Swaminathan performed the ‘Endoscopic Optic Nerve’ decompression procedure.

Dr.Sudhir Halikar, ENT surgeon at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre said that the procedure is conducted under general anesthesia.  The two-step procedure involved putting the endoscope along with other tools through the nose to open the sinuses behind the optic nerve and the eye. In the second step, the bone overlaying the optic canal was removed to make more space and ease some pressure on the optic nerve.

It is important to understand the structure of the portion near the eye orbit. The optic nerve is spread from the brain, through the skull to the eye. A portion of this nerve is also in a rigid bony tunnel near the skull. Any condition like injury, trauma, tumor, or overgrowth may cause compression or swelling increasing the pressure on the optic nerve. This may cause loss of vision. Therefore, reducing pressure on the optic nerve is important. Endoscopic optic nerve decompression is a minimally invasive procedure performed by ENT surgeons.

Dr. Swaminathan added that the second and equally important part included bone grafting and skull reconstruction. The first step involved decompression by cutting the overlaying bone reducing the pressure. But the orbital globe requires support and a bone cannot be placed inside as it will increase the pressure again. So the floor is reconstructed by giving the support of a titanium plate.

Plastic Surgeon Dr Manoj Pawar said that this is important to ensure the restoration of eye orbit contours. In simple terms, it helps to bring both eyes on the same horizontal level and correct double vision.

The stitches were removed and in August’s first week when the girl came for a follow-up, the doctors found the scars almost fully recovered.

Dr Divij Mane, Director of Noble Hospitals and Research Centre said that It’s teamwork, commitment to the patients, and commitment to one another as a team that results in the best possible outcome for the patients. We congratulate our team for addressing this rare condition successfully.

Dr Dileep Mane, Managing Director of Noble Hospitals and Research Centre said that we aim to deliver the most advanced care in the field backed by the best experts This case reflects how multidisciplinary team effort can bring the best results for the patient. We are happy that the aspiring youngster has restored vision and will be back soon to pursue her ambitions in life. 

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DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, and Dr. Anmol Sonawane Partner to Launch Valve Clinic

PIMPRI: In an inspiring blend of advanced technology and compassionate healthcare, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, has successfully performed its first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure on an 83-year-old male patient, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s history and the launch of its new dedicated Valve Specialty Clinic in partnership with Dr. Anmol Sonawane, Director – TAVI & Structural Heart Specialist. This clinic promises advanced cardiac care every Monday, enhancing access to cutting-edge treatments for the residents of Pune and beyond.

TAVI, a groundbreaking heart valve replacement method, involves no open-heart surgery, incisions, general anesthesia, or ventilators, allowing patients to be discharged as early as 1-2 days. The procedure performed on June 7 saved the life of the elderly patient who had struggled with severe symptoms like heart failure, leg swelling, and breathlessness for over six months. After thorough evaluations and considering the patient’s frail condition and the risks associated with traditional surgery, Dr. Sonawane recommended TAVI. This less invasive technique involves inserting a new valve via a catheter through the femoral artery in the leg, reaching the heart, and deploying the new valve without the need for a major surgical incision.

Dr. Anmol Sonawane, a leading pioneer in TAVI and valve replacement, has successfully performed over 1500 surgeries across India and in 36 countries, aiding in the development of TAVR programs worldwide. This technique offers new hope for elderly patients. A specialist in TAVI and Structural Heart specialist, Dr. Sonawane is collaborating with DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, to launch a specialized Valve Clinic.

TAVI is primarily utilized for patients who suffer from Aortic Stenosis—a condition where the aortic valve narrows, hindering blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. As patients age, valves may calcify and degenerate, significantly impacting their quality of life. Traditional surgery to replace these valves involves open-heart surgery, which poses significant risks, especially for elderly patients or those with multiple health issues.

The successful implementation of TAVI at DPU Super Specialty Hospital highlights the significant advancements in interventional cardiology, spearheaded by Dr. Sonawane’s expertise.

Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, expressed his pride in the hospital’s commitment to top-tier patient-centric care. “Our focus has always been on integrating the latest technologies to improve patient outcomes. The introduction of this specialty clinic is a testament to our dedication to advancing healthcare. Our state-of-the-art facilities combined with top-notch expertise allow us to deliver exceptional care, particularly in specialized fields like TAVI,” he stated.

Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of technology in future healthcare solutions. “There is nothing more valuable than saving a human life. Hence, giving our patients the priceless gift of a healthy life remains our topmost priority as a trusted healthcare institute. I visit the patients, monitor their recovery, and progress, and stay connected with the team 24/7 to ensure that no stone is left unturned in providing the best possible patient care.  With this new clinic, we are setting new benchmarks in providing access to globally recognized treatments right here in Pune,” she remarked.

The launch of the Valve Specialty Clinic is more than just an addition to the hospital’s capabilities—it represents a lifeline for elderly patients at high risk from conventional surgeries. It underscores the hospital’s role as a pioneer in adopting technologies that offer safer alternatives and promote quicker recoveries.

Commenting on the same, Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee & Treasurer, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “As Pune’s healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the Valve Specialty Clinic at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune stands as a beacon of hope and innovation, ensuring that the elderly can receive the best possible care with minimized risk, embodying the hospital’s mission of enabling healthier lives through advanced medical science. We as a leading healthcare institution are honored to introduce the TAVI and Valve specialty clinic to our patients, thus laying another milestone as pioneers. The confluence of technology with patient-centric healthcare has led to the emergence of multiple opportunities in the interest of better patient outcomes. TAVI is a landmark achievement in the field of cardiology and will be of immense benefit to our elderly patients.

The perspective of Dr. Anmol Sonawane Director – of TAVI & Structural Heart Specialist, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, said “TAVI or TAVR is a pinnacle that has redefined the process of valve replacements in the elder age groups. Multiple comorbidities and wailing health in the elderly age group make individuals vulnerable to critical procedures like open-heart surgeries. We are glad to launch the valve specialty clinic at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, as the hospital is well-equipped with world-class infrastructure and facilities that will help us in providing treatment for complex concerns with ease.”

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