CASE STORIES: The Inspiring Story of Mr Banke Bihari

by Barkha Kardam – Cornea Department & Project Coordinator, Assistant to Dr Manisha Acharya

Treating Doctor – Dr Virender Singh Sangwan

Agra Man Overcomes Vision Loss to Rebuild His Life: Agra-based school owner and management professional, Mr Banke Bihari (34), faced a life-altering tragedy on March 25 2015, when a routine check of his inverter led to a catastrophic blast. The explosion caused severe injuries to both his eyes, with a chemical burn in his right eye and irreparable damage to his left eye.

A Long and Challenging Medical Journey: Following the incident, Mr Banke Bihari sought treatment from multiple doctors in Agra. Despite undergoing Amniotic Membrane Grafting (AMG) procedures, his vision remained severely compromised. He later visited AIIMS, where he underwent another AMG procedure in hopes of restoring some sight. His left eye suffered retinal detachment and developed a serious infection, leading to its eventual phthisis (shrinkage and loss of function). Meanwhile, his right eye was diagnosed with Total Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), a condition requiring specialized treatment.

A Ray of Hope: The Role of Advanced Treatment: After years of struggle, Mr Bihari was advised to undergo Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation (SLET), a ground-breaking procedure that could potentially restore vision. On July 8 2024, he underwent the surgery—ironically, using Limbal stem cells harvested from his non-functional left eye, proving the saying: "Jo kisi kaam ka nahi hota, kabhi toh kaam aa hi jata hai."

From Total Dependence to Independence: A year ago, Mr Bihari was entirely dependent on his family for daily tasks. His life seemed to be at a standstill. But today, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Dr Virender Singh Sangwan and his team, he has regained functional vision. With the help of contact lenses, his visual acuity is now 6/6—a remarkable achievement for a one-eyed patient. More importantly, he has regained his independence and confidence.

A Passion for Life Rekindled: Beyond his professional responsibilities, Mr Bihari is passionate about cricket and driving. A self-proclaimed cricket addict, he never misses a match and finds joy in the sport. Reflecting on his journey, he credits Dr Sangwan for giving him the strength to fight against all odds. His experience has been nothing short of extraordinary, and he now serves as an inspiration to many facing similar challenges.

A Message of Hope: Mr Banke Bihari’s journey from darkness to light is a testament to medical advancements, perseverance, and unwavering support from doctors and family. His story stands as a beacon of hope for those struggling with adversity—reminding us that with the right treatment, resilience and faith, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.