According to AIIMS officials, all 13 patients suffered serious eye injuries caused by carbide gun explosions. Twelve of them have now been discharged, while one remains under observation. Two patients were discharged on Wednesday after regaining significant vision.
The most recent case involved 11-year-old Raja from Narmadapuram, who was admitted on October 29 with severe corneal damage. Doctors applied the amniotic membrane, and within 15 days, nearly 80% of his eyesight was restored.
AIIMS ophthalmologists said the amniotic membrane—once discarded after childbirth—acts as a “living biological bandage” that accelerates healing and preserves the cornea’s transparency. It contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins that help regenerate damaged eye tissue.
Dr. Aditi Dubey, an ophthalmologist at GMC, explained, “The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta. It’s thin, transparent, and flexible, and when applied to the cornea or conjunctiva, it promotes rapid recovery and prevents scarring.”
The amniotic tissues are collected and preserved in sterile conditions immediately after delivery for later medical use.
Doctors added that patients with severe or delayed injuries are treated through stem-cell-based limbal epithelial transplantation, which uses cells from a patient’s healthy eye to restore the damaged one—reducing the need for corneal transplants.
Officials said the successful use of this affordable, natural therapy has brought hope to victims of carbide gun injuries and could soon be adopted in other AIIMS facilities across India.
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