Imran Khan Loses 85% Vision in One Eye from Untreated Retinal Vein Blockage
Imran Khan suffers 85% vision loss in right eye from untreated Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in jail.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly lost nearly 85% of vision in his right eye following a diagnosis of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). According to a report prepared by Supreme Court-appointed amicus curiae Salman Safdar, the condition worsened after repeated medical complaints allegedly went unaddressed for months at Adiala Jail. The report states that Khan previously had normal 6x6 vision until October 2025, when he began experiencing persistent blurred and hazy vision.
Medical findings later confirmed the presence of a blood clot in the central retinal vein, causing severe and irreversible damage. CRVO occurs when the primary vein responsible for draining blood from the retina becomes blocked, leading to leakage of blood and fluid into retinal tissue. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this fluid buildup can cause swelling in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, and without timely treatment, nerve cells may die, resulting in permanent vision loss.
Age remains the most significant risk factor for CRVO, particularly in individuals over 50 and more commonly after 65. As blood vessels naturally stiffen and narrow with age, circulation slows, increasing the likelihood of clot formation. High blood pressure is another leading contributor, present in nearly half of CRVO cases, as hardened arteries can compress nearby veins in the eye, obstructing normal blood flow and triggering clots.
Also Read: PM Modi Watches IAF Fighter Jets and Helicopters Perform at Assam's New Emergency Landing Strip
Chronic conditions such as diabetes and glaucoma also elevate the risk. Poorly controlled diabetes damages blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to swelling and clot formation. Glaucoma, characterized by increased pressure inside the eye, can block venous blood flow and create a backup, further raising the chances of vein occlusion. Additionally, high cholesterol and smoking significantly increase vascular damage, thickening blood and accelerating plaque buildup in arteries.
Certain blood clotting disorders, including elevated homocysteine levels and rare autoimmune conditions like antiphospholipid syndrome, can make blood more prone to clotting. Experts emphasize that while CRVO can develop suddenly, its risks can be substantially reduced by managing blood pressure, controlling diabetes, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and undergoing regular eye examinations — particularly for older adults with underlying health conditions.
Also Read: Chernobyl Shelter Hit By Russian Drone, Confirms Zelenskyy
