Surgeons in New York have reportedly conducted the world’s first full eye transplant on Aaron James, a survivor of a high-voltage electrical accident, although the restoration of his vision remains uncertain.
The 21-hour surgery involved replacing half of James’s face, and it is considered a groundbreaking achievement in the global effort to restore sight.
While corneal transplants have been successful for years, this comprehensive eye transplant marks a significant milestone.
Aaron James, a utility line worker from Arkansas, experienced the life-altering accident in 2021, leading to the loss of a major portion of his face.
The surgery, conducted at NYU Langone Health on May 27, included a rare partial face transplant in addition to the eye transplant and engaged over 140 healthcare professionals.
Surgeons reported that James, 46, is recovering well, and the transplanted eye appears remarkably healthy, while his right eye remains functional.
Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, a leading surgeon, emphasized the unprecedented achievement, stating that it opens the door to advancing vision restoration.
The surgery provides valuable insights into the human eye’s healing process, even though complete sight restoration is not guaranteed.
Doctors observed direct blood flow to the retina, responsible for sending images to the brain. While uncertainties persist about James regaining vision in the new eye, doctors acknowledge the possibility.
Aaron James, the 19th person in the US to undergo a face transplant, will continue to be monitored by medical professionals.
The donated face and eye came from a single male donor in his 30s, with adult stem cells injected into the optic nerve during surgery to aid repair.
James expressed gratitude, describing the eye transplant as “life-changing” and expressing profound thanks to the donor’s family for enabling the groundbreaking procedure.
His wife, Meagan James, shared her joy at seeing him after the surgery, emphasizing her happiness that he made it through successfully.
Following the accident, James had his left eye removed due to pain and underwent multiple surgeries, including one for a prosthetic arm.
He reflected on the transformative impact of the eye transplant, noting that he now appears like a “normal person walking down the street.”
Source-BBC
