When their condition did not improve, the families admitted the patients to super specialty hospitals in Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi.

Had cataract operation, eyes were gone.
So far, 12 people have had to have their eyes removed after cataract operation in a private hospital located in Sikriganj in Gorakhpur, UP. Hospitalists said that this happened due to the spread of infection. So far, 11 out of 30 patients have serious infection… pic.twitter.com/e8EYIpWwy9

— Tushar Rai (@tusharcrai) February 18, 2026

Doctors confirmed that 9 patients lost their vision, while 9 others required removal of the infected eye to prevent the infection from spreading.

Patients shared painful experiences

Many patients and their families expressed their pain after surgery. A patient named Pardeshi from Kaulahan village of Belghat area is undergoing treatment in AIIMS Delhi. During a medical examination on 17 February, doctors reported that he had lost his eyesight. The decision whether his eye will be removed or not will depend on the medical report.

Gola's Sehwan Ali had one eye removed after severe infection at AIIMS Delhi. Family members said- the next day after the surgery the eyes started bleeding. He is scheduled to undergo another examination on February 23.

In Gorakhpur, eyes of 9 patients had to be removed after cataract operation. While 9 lost their eyesight. However, one patient regained vision later.

An eye camp was organized at New Rajesh Hitech Hospital on 1st February. 30 patients had cataract surgery. His condition changed within 24 hours… pic.twitter.com/gShS36GzgS

— KM Srishti (@Srishtivishwak4) February 18, 2026

Shankarvati of Rahdauli is undergoing treatment in Varanasi. Doctors removed one of his eyes. The family says that he is still having problems in the other eye. His vision has diminished and he has frequent headaches. The son said that if his remaining eye is also affected then they will take legal action.