Times Of India

NEW DELHI: Indian hockey goalkeeper Baljit Singh will have to wait for another two-three months to know the extent of his recovery from the career-threatening eye injury that has required two surgeries.

Baljit, who went to the US to get a second opinion on his damaged right eye, underwent operation at a private hospital at Alabama earlier this month under the watchful eyes of renowned ophthalmologist Robert Morris after Baltimore’s John Hopkins hospital could not guarantee him full vision.

“I am getting better by day and day. I had my second dressing and Dr Morris has advised me to meet him after two weeks. He also said if there is any problem in my eye, I should meet him in the hospital,” Baljit told PTI from his hotel in the US.

“Dr Morris told me that my recovery of vision will take some time and he can assess the percentage of it only after two or three months,” he added.

However, Baljit seemed optimistic about getting back to the field and said as of now, he does not have any problem in his eye apart from occasional pain and irritation.

“I do not have any problems now. Generally, I feel some sort of irritation or pain in the operated eye. But Dr Morris said if there is any irritation or pain, I should meet him. Otherwise, he said I am perfectly alright.

“The pressure in the operated eye is also under expected levels. The pad and bandage has also been removed and I have been asked to wear dark glasses to avoid direct sunlight.

Baljit was injured in a freak incident when a golf ball he was practising with sneaked through the visor of his helmet to damage his right eye.

The Chandigarh lad had to be airlifted to the capital where doctors at AIIMS conducted a marathon emergency surgery but could not promise full vision.