New Delhi (PTI): A leading Army hospital here has successfully conducted a "pioneering procedure" using a state-of-the-art 3D operating microscope, combining advanced imaging with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, officials said on Wednesday.

This breakthrough offers "unprecedented real-time visualisation of aqueous outflow pathways", enabling surgeons to deliver precise, targeted interventions, they said.

The defence ministry termed it a "landmark achievement" for Indian medicine, and said the ophthalmology department of the Army Hospital (Research & Referral) at Delhi Cantonment has "successfully performed India's first-ever 3D flex aqueous angiography with iStent, combining advanced imaging with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery".

Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, has long challenged clinicians with its silent progression.

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"Conducted with the new stand-mounted Spectralis system and a state-of-the-art 3D operating microscope, this pioneering procedure places the Armed Forces Medical Services at the forefront of global ophthalmic care," the ministry said in a statement.

This breakthrough offers "unprecedented real-time visualisation of aqueous outflow pathways, enabling surgeons to deliver precise, targeted interventions and significantly improve patient outcomes," it said.

As the first-of-its-kind in the country, the integration of 3D flex aqueous angiography with iStent, the minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, "sets a new benchmark in glaucoma care", ensuring enhanced intraoperative imaging and better long-term results, the statement said.

For the armed forces community, it represents not only a "medical milestone" but also a strategic leap in safeguarding vision and operational readiness, it said.

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Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.

Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.

However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.

"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.

The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.

"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.

With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.

"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."

Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.

"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.

"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."