Politics aside, the news coming out of Adiala Jail this week is deeply concerning for any human being. A report submitted to the Supreme Court by a court-appointed lawyer has revealed that former Prime Minister Imran Khan has lost approximately 85% of the vision in his right eye.
The diagnosis is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). This is not a simple “eye infection” that can be fixed with drops. It is a serious vascular event—essentially a “stroke” of the eye. Here is a medical breakdown of what this disease is, the chances of recovery, and why the state has a moral obligation to treat it immediately.
If you want a complete breakdown of the report that was published, click here.
1. What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It needs a constant flow of blood to function.
- The Blockage: CRVO happens when the main vein that drains blood away from the retina gets blocked (usually by a blood clot).
- The Damage: When the blood can’t leave, it backs up and leaks into the retina, causing swelling (macular edema) and bleeding. This kills the retinal cells that allow you to see.
- The Symptoms: Sudden, painless blurring or loss of vision in one eye.
2. Can Imran Khan Recover? (The Prognosis)
The lawyer’s report states that Khan currently has only 15% vision remaining in the affected eye. Is this reversible? There is no straight answer, as he is yet to be properly examined and diagnosed. But here is what is possible:
- The “Golden Window”: Time is the enemy. In CRVO cases, vision can often be saved if treated with Anti-VEGF Injections (which stop the leakage) immediately after the blockage occurs.
- The Reality: Reports suggest Khan began complaining of blurry vision months ago (in October 2025), but the specific injection was only administered in late January 2026.
- Medical Verdict: If the retina has been starved of oxygen for months, the damage may be permanent. However, aggressive treatment can sometimes restore partial vision or at least stop it from getting worse.
3. Healthcare is a Right, Not a Favor
This blog is not about PTI vs. PDM. It is about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 25 states that everyone has the right to medical care. This right does not vanish when you enter a prison cell.
- The Precedent: Whether it is Nawaz Sharif needing cardiac care or Asif Zardari needing hospitalization, Pakistan has a history of providing medical relief to jailed leaders. Imran Khan deserves the same standard of care.
- The Danger: Denying specialized care to a 73-year-old prisoner—regardless of their political stance—sets a dangerous precedent. A state is judged by how it treats its prisoners.
4. What Needs to Happen Now?
The Supreme Court has stepped in, ordering a full medical board examination before February 16. But “examination” is not “treatment.” For a condition like CRVO, the patient often needs:
- Regular Injections: Sometimes monthly.
- Laser Therapy: To prevent bleeding.
- Stress Management: High blood pressure (often caused by solitary confinement) creates more clots.
Verdict
Blindness is a life-altering disability. The government must ensure that Imran Khan receives treatment from independent retinal specialists immediately. To let a former Prime Minister go blind due to bureaucratic delays would be a tragedy that goes beyond politics—it would be a failure of our humanity.
Do you agree that medical treatment should be separated from politics? Let us know.