Real Stories, Real Journeys

In March 2017, I suffered an eye injury from a road accident, leading to orbital and nasal bone fractures. A reconstructive surgery was done the next day, but persistent issues like eye- watering, recurrent infections, and eventually a fistula near the eye made the recovery long and frustrating.
After years of unresolved symptoms and consultations across Baroda and Delhi, In 2022, our regular eye physician recommended consulting Dr. Santosh G. Honavar in Hyderabad— one of India’s most respected ophthalmologists, internationally known for his work in ocular oncology, oculoplasty, and orbital surgery.
I met Dr. Honavar at Centre for Sight, Hyderabad on 6th April 2022. The hospital was extremely well-maintained, and the staff was welcoming and professional. I was impressed by the advanced optometric evaluations conducted—several of which had never been done in my previous consultations.
After examining me, Dr. Honavar advised an MRI of the brain with contrast. The next day, I underwent a Tesla MRI (3T) and received the reports the same evening. I was later told that such detailed MRI imaging is available only in a handful of cities in India.
When I met Dr. Honavar again with the MRI results, he carefully explained his prognosis:

• The implant placed during the original reconstructive surgery was non-metallic, and my body likely hadn’t responded well to it.
• Over the five years, tissues had grown around the implant, and attempting surgical removal could disturb the optic nerves and surrounding structures.
• Surgery, in his opinion, should be a last resort, as it could worsen symptoms like pain, photosensitivity, redness, a protruding eyeball, and even cause double vision.

Instead, he prescribed a 5-week tapering steroid course:
What stood out was how seamless and efficient the entire process was—in just two days, I had consulted one of India’s top experts, undergone advanced imaging, and received a detailed treatment plan. I honestly doubt this could have been done so smoothly in larger cities like Delhi or Kolkata.
Despite following the prescribed treatment, my struggle continued for another 10 months, as Dr. Honavar continued to explore non-surgical ways to resolve the issue.
During this time, I developed a fistula-like opening at the lower part of my right eye. This small abnormal passage would bleed with minimal pressure—something as simple as blowing my nose, coughing, or sneezing would trigger it.
The bleeding became a daily ordeal, especially at night. I would often wake up to find my pillow soaked with blood.
On 5th January 2023, Dr. Honavar proposed a minor surgical procedure to repair the fistula and stop the bleeding. But before proceeding, he recommended getting a second opinion from another specialist:
Dr. A. V. Gautam, a senior surgeon and the Founder & Managing Director of Avis Hospitals.
After examining my condition and reviewing the full history, Dr. Gautam strongly recommended surgery, stating clearly that the issue would not be resolved unless the implant was removed.