Emergency surgery in Makkah saved an Egyptian pilgrim from blindness She’s now ready for Hajj

As millions of Muslims prepare for Hajj in 2025, a remarkable story of medical expertise and compassion has emerged from Makkah. An Egyptian pilgrim, who faced sudden vision loss shortly after arriving in Saudi Arabia, has had her sight restored thanks to the rapid response of a specialized medical team. This life-changing intervention not only saved her from permanent blindness but also allowed her to continue her pilgrimage with renewed hope and gratitude.

The Medical Emergency: Sudden Vision Loss

• The Egyptian pilgrim experienced a sudden and severe loss of vision soon after reaching Makkah for Hajj.
• Urgent examinations at King Abdullah Medical City’s Eye Health Center revealed two critical conditions:
  • Retinal detachment: A separation of the retina from its underlying tissue, which can quickly lead to irreversible blindness if not treated.
  • Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s lens, further impairing vision and complicating the emergency.

Swift Surgical Intervention

• The medical team, led by Dr. Osama Al-Omari, a consultant in retinal surgery, acted immediately to prevent permanent vision loss.
• The complex, same-day procedure included:
  • Cataract removal and intraocular lens implantation
  • Vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous body)
  • Retinal reattachment using silicone oil injection
• The operation was a complete success, restoring the patient’s sight and enabling her to be discharged in stable condition on the same day.

Ongoing Care and Hajj Readiness

• Following surgery, the pilgrim is under close medical supervision to ensure the stability of her retina and gradual improvement of her vision.
• This swift intervention means she is now able to continue her Hajj preparations and rituals safely and comfortably.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Pilgrim Health

• The case highlights the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s Emergency Care Model, a cornerstone of the country’s Health Care Transformation Program.
• Each year, Saudi Arabia deploys approximately 50,000 healthcare professionals to provide 24/7 medical services during Hajj, ensuring the safety and well-being of millions of pilgrims.
• In 2024, over 142,000 pilgrims benefited from these services, with thousands receiving critical care, including surgeries and specialized treatments.

The Importance of Rapid Response

• Early diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention were key to saving the pilgrim’s sight.
• Access to advanced medical infrastructure and highly trained specialists ensures that even the most urgent cases can be managed effectively during Hajj