Imran Khan's vision improves significantly, medical report reveals

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The medical report of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has revealed a marked improvement in his eye condition, with specialists noting reduced swelling and better clinical indicators in his right eye following a recent examination at Adiala Jail.

According to a report issued on Monday, a two-member medical board conducted a detailed eye examination of the former prime minister on February 15.

The board comprised Professor Dr Nadeem Qureshi of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital and Professor Dr Muhammad Arif Khan of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad.

The examination came nearly two weeks after Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated since August 2023, complained of losing up to 85 per cent of vision in his right eye.

He was subsequently diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a serious condition typically associated with advanced age and underlying cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

As per the medical findings, vision in Imran Khan’s right eye without glasses was recorded at 6/24 partial, while the left eye measured 6/9.

With corrective glasses, the right eye improved to 6/9 partial and the left eye to a full 6/6 — an outcome doctors described as encouraging at this stage of treatment.

The report further stated that his vision had improved from 6/36 to 6/9 partial overall.

Encouragingly, doctors observed a reduction in swelling in the right eye.

Retinal thickness, previously measured at 550, had decreased to 350, which specialists termed a significant sign of recovery.

However, signs of retinal inflammation in the right eye were still present.

The medical board also prescribed some eye drops for both the eyes for treatment.

Also Read: PTI founder has 70pc vision in one eye with glasses, other eye fully normal: Law Minister

Specialists also advised that, upon completion of anti-VEGF therapy, Imran Khan should undergo further diagnostic procedures, including OCT angiography and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), to monitor progress and guide future treatment.

Sources said the examination was conducted in compliance with a judicial deadline reportedly set by the Supreme Court, requiring submission of a comprehensive medical report by February 16.

Following the medical board’s visit, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas visited PIMS later that evening.

The doctors who examined Imran briefed the opposition leaders on his health condition and treatment plan.

His personal physicians, including Dr Aasim Yousaf and Dr Khurram Mirza, were also briefed via a phone call lasting over 25 minutes.

According to the report, both the opposition leaders and Imran Khan’s personal doctors expressed satisfaction and confidence in the treatment provided and the recommended follow-up care.

However, Dr Aasim Yousaf later stated in a video message that while the Islamabad-based specialists had reported significant improvement, he could neither independently confirm nor deny the assessment, as he had not personally examined the PTI founder.

He urged authorities to allow him, Dr Faisal Sultan, or doctors nominated by Imran Khan’s family to directly evaluate the former premier.