Doctors at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed the first-ever whole-eye transplant. The patient, a veteran who survived a high-voltage electrical incident, has shown signs of a healthy eye, including direct blood flow to the retina. While it is unclear if the patient will regain his eyesight, the groundbreaking achievement opens up new possibilities for advancements in vision therapies.
The patient, Aaron James, suffered severe injuries to his face and other body parts, including the loss of his left eye, due to an electric shock. The transplant procedure involved a 21-hour surgery performed by a team of 140 healthcare professionals. The surgery also included the injection of adult stem cells into the patient’s optic nerve in the hopes of enhancing nerve regeneration and sight restoration.
The success of this whole-eye transplant is a significant milestone in the field of vision therapies, offering hope for future advancements in restoring vision. The doctors will continue to monitor the patient’s progress through clinical tests to assess the effectiveness of the procedure. Despite the potential complications and the need for immunosuppressive drugs, which opens the patient up to other risks, this achievement is considered remarkable from a cosmetic standpoint. The patient is now able to enjoy activities such as smelling and tasting, and is looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with his family.
