Department of Ocular Inflammatory Diseases
About the Department
Head of Department: Dr. A. V. Hambardzumyan
The Department of Ocular Inflammatory Diseases at the S. V. Malayan Ophthalmological Center was initially established as a laboratory in 2002 and became a standalone department in September 2005.
The department specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of external eye conditions (including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eye syndrome, etc.), as well as diseases of the cornea (keratitis, ulcers, dystrophies, degenerative changes, burns), and inflammatory conditions of the uveal tract and retina (uveitis).
The department also performs a wide range of surgical procedures. Many patients undergo cataract surgery with implantation of various types of intraocular lenses, including monofocal, multifocal, toric, and lenses for astigmatism, depending on the patient’s needs and eye condition.
The department houses the Eye Tissue Bank, which collaborates with the Lions Eye Bank (USA). Each year, the bank receives approximately 100–150 donor corneas.
All types of corneal transplantation are performed here: full-thickness, lamellar, and keratoplasty.
Department Head Dr. A. V. Hambardzumyan (PhD) has twice completed professional training in the United States on eye tissue banking (2004 and 2022).
Since 2005, the department has been the only center in the region to perform Boston Type I keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea implantation). This rare and highly specialized surgery restores vision in patients with severe chemical, thermal, or thermochemical eye burns.
Other common procedures include pterygium excision, removal of conjunctival and eyelid tumors, cosmetic corneal tattooing (since 2005), and transplantation of amniotic membranes and limbal stem cells — all of which significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Currently, the department monitors approximately 3,226 patients with uveitis and 5,036 with corneal disorders. On average, 50–100 patients are examined daily. The department also trains 7–10 clinical residents per year and performs around 100–150 surgeries annually.