A 58-year-old father has regained his sight after becoming the first patient to undergo a corneal transplant at Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center.

Digno Mostar lost his right eye at age seven due to complications from measles, so it had to be removed.

In 2018, he had a corneal transplant in Metro Manila, but by 2022, his vision in his remaining eye deteriorated again for unknown reasons.

This led him to seek help at the Bicol Region General Hospital.

"Medyo naoogma ngani ako dahil na[araman] ko na magkakaigwa ning operasyon na mako-cornea transplant daa giraray ako. Kaya sabi ko, may pag-asa pa palan ako. Akala ko talaga kadto, habang buhay na talagang arog kaini na dae ako nakakahiling," Mostar said.

SURGERY

The surgery, led by Dr. Dominga Padilla, a cornea specialist and president of the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, took place morning on June 20, 2024.

The cornea used for the transplant was brought from Manila.

Padilla said Mostar's medical history is complicated. The stitches from his previous surgery were reportedly not removed, which led to another infection and further complications, including cataracts.

"Medyo sketchy ‘yung kanyang history. He was able to see, kaya lang, hindi yata tinanggal ‘yung mga tahi. I think ‘yun ‘yung cause ng another infection which was not addressed. Kaya ngayon, nag-spread ‘yung puti tapos may katarata pa rin siya. Sa nakikita ko, nabutas ‘yung mata niya doon sa second time," Padilla said.

The surgical team had to remove the discolored portion, damaged cornea, and cataract, and then implant a new cornea and lens.

OUTCOME

While the surgery was ongoing, Mostar's wife, Gloriosa Mostar, waited outside anxiously.

"May dikit lang na kaba, pero para sako, bahala na ang Diyos saiya; tapos, tiwala man ako sa mga doctor na naggigibo kang operasyon na iyan," Gloriosa said.

After nearly two hours, the surgery was completed successfully at noon. The procedure was covered by PhilHealth so Mostar did not have to pay for anything. Any shortfall will be addressed through the Malasakit Center.

In private hospitals, corneal transplants can cost around P150,000, excluding aftercare expenses.