Indian Doctors Save Kazakh Teen's Sight From Tumor

A complex surgical procedure in India has restored the sight of a 13-year-old girl from Kazakhstan, Iligay Sarsebek. For a year, Iligay experienced vision loss and bulging in her right eye, which completely blinded her. Diagnosed with an optic glioma, a rare nerve tumor, doctors discovered it was growing towards her brain, posing significant neurological risks.

Following consultations in her home country, Iligay's family opted for advanced surgical treatment in India. The delicate operation, performed in February 2026 at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, involved the careful removal of the tumor. Given the tumor's extensive spread and the loss of vision in the affected eye, surgeons removed the eye along with the tumor and subsequently reconstructed the area with an implant.

Specialists highlighted the challenges of the tumor's location and the importance of timely intervention. Early signs of optic nerve tumors include gradual vision loss, persistent eye bulging, and headaches. This successful intervention prevented further intracranial damage and allowed Iligay to resume her normal life.