ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan was shifted from Adiala Jail to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad for his second anti-VEGF intravitreal injection, a medical procedure aimed at addressing complications from central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye. The treatment was completed successfully under strict security protocols, and he has since been discharged with specific follow-up instructions to monitor ongoing recovery.
The procedure represents the latest step in a treatment regimen that began earlier this year following reports of significant vision impairment. Medical assessments indicate that Khan’s right eye condition stems from central retinal vein occlusion, a vascular disorder where blockage in the central retinal vein leads to swelling, leakage, and potential vision loss. This condition often requires prompt intervention to prevent permanent damage.
Initial concerns emerged in late January when Khan reported reduced vision, prompting an examination and the first anti-VEGF injection on the night of January 24-25 at PIMS. That intervention targeted macular edema caused by the occlusion, with anti-VEGF agents such as Eylea administered directly into the vitreous to inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce fluid accumulation.
Subsequent evaluations by a medical board, including specialists from PIMS and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, documented measurable improvement. Vision in the affected right eye progressed from an unaided measurement of 6/36 before treatment to 6/24 partial post-first injection, and further to 6/9 partial with corrective lenses by mid-February. The left eye maintained stable 6/6 vision with glasses, indicating no bilateral involvement.
The central macular thickness, a key indicator of retinal swelling, decreased notably from 550 microns to 350 microns, reflecting a positive response to the therapy. Doctors noted reduced inflammation signs, including mild redness and dilated vessels, alongside cotton-wool spots consistent with the underlying vascular issue.
Anti-VEGF therapy forms a cornerstone of modern management for retinal vein occlusions with macular edema. These injections, typically spaced at monthly intervals initially, work by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby stabilizing the blood-retinal barrier and promoting fluid reabsorption. Clinical guidelines from international ophthalmology bodies support such regimens, often yielding substantial vision recovery when initiated timely.
The second injection, administered recently at PIMS, aligns with this protocol. Sources familiar with the case indicate that the procedure occurred as scheduled around late February, following expert recommendations for continuation of the Eylea-based course rather than switching to alternatives like Vabysmo at this stage.
Post-procedure, Khan was discharged promptly after confirmation of no immediate complications. Medical advice includes continued use of prescribed eye drops—Nevanac and Systane Ultra for both eyes, and Cosopt specifically for the right—to manage inflammation, pressure, and lubrication. Authorities emphasize adherence to this regimen to sustain gains and prevent setbacks.
Further diagnostic steps, including OCT angiography and fundus fluorescein angiography, have been recommended after completion of the anti-VEGF series. These advanced imaging modalities will provide detailed views of retinal vasculature and perfusion, guiding any adjustments to long-term care.
The treatment unfolded amid heightened public and political attention to Khan’s health while incarcerated. Government officials, including federal ministers, have described the interventions as routine and effective, with no major concerns remaining. Opposition figures and PTI representatives have called for greater transparency and independent access, though medical boards have reported satisfaction with progress.
Central retinal vein occlusion predominantly affects older adults and carries risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, though specific details of Khan’s predisposing conditions remain undisclosed. Early intervention remains critical, as untreated cases can result in severe, irreversible vision deficits.
Current updates suggest stable vital signs and encouraging ocular response. The successful completion of the second injection and discharge underscore the efficacy of the ongoing protocol at Pakistan’s leading public-sector tertiary facility. Follow-up evaluations will determine the need for additional doses or complementary therapies to optimize visual outcomes.