Table of Contents
Imran Khan eye vision has shown significant improvement, according to a detailed medical report released on Monday, offering a positive update on the health of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder. The evaluation, conducted by a team of ophthalmology specialists, highlights reduced swelling in the right eye and measurable improvement in visual acuity, marking a hopeful development after weeks of concern.
Overview of Imran Khan Eye Examination
The comprehensive eye assessment was carried out on February 15 by a medical board consisting of Professor Dr Nadeem Qureshi from Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital and Professor Dr Muhammad Arif Khan of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Islamabad. The examination was reportedly conducted to comply with a Supreme Court deadline requiring submission of a full medical report on the former prime minister by February 16.
Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023, had previously reported losing 85% of vision in his right eye, prompting serious medical concerns and judicial oversight. He had been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a condition often associated with older patients and linked to cardiovascular risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Image Source: Al Jazeera
Medical Findings and Vision Improvement
According to the medical report, Imran Khan’s right eye vision without glasses measured 6/24 partial, while the left eye was 6/9. With corrective lenses, the right eye improved to 6/9 partial, and the left eye reached 6/6, showing significant recovery. Swelling in the right eye decreased from 550 to 350 microns, a key indicator of clinical improvement, the report stated.
These findings suggest that the treatment administered to the former prime minister has effectively reduced inflammation and improved retinal function. Experts recommended continued monitoring to prevent further complications associated with CRVO.
Treatment Recommendations and Next Steps
The medical board advised the continued use of prescribed eye drops for both eyes. Additionally, they recommended undergoing OCT angiography and FFA tests to ensure proper monitoring of retinal blood flow and macular thickness. The report emphasized follow-up care and routine observation of any changes in vision to mitigate long-term risks.
Political Leaders and Physicians React
On the day of the examination, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas visited PIMS for a briefing by the medical board. The session also included Imran Khan’s personal physicians, Dr Asim Yousaf and Dr Khurram Mirza, who joined via phone for more than 25 minutes. The report noted that all attending political leaders and doctors expressed full satisfaction and confidence in the treatment and medical recommendations provided.
Shaukat Khanum CMO Statement and Future Care
While the medical report is positive, Shaukat Khanum Chief Medical Officer Dr Aasim Yusuf clarified that he could not independently verify the findings, as he had not personally examined the PTI chairman. In a video posted on the hospital’s official X account, Dr Aasim stated that the conversation with the medical board lasted approximately 40 minutes and provided detailed information on the treatment administered, ongoing tests, and future care plans.
Dr Aasim urged the government to allow either himself, Dr Faisal Sultan, or other doctors nominated by Imran Khan’s family to directly participate in the former prime minister’s care. He also recommended relocating Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, to facilitate closer monitoring and advanced treatment options.
The medical update provides a cautiously optimistic outlook for Imran Khan’s eye health, while underscoring the need for ongoing supervision and professional care as he continues his recovery.
