One year after receiving the first whole-eye transplant ever, a US war veteran is making great progress and is able to return to his regular life, according to researchers.
In addition, Aaron James, 46, underwent an uncommon partial face transplant. In 2021, he suffered a facial amputation due to an accident while performing his job as a high-voltage utility lineman.
In contrast to donor eyes in animals that frequently shrink following transplants, his donor eye has so far maintained normal pressure, blood flow, and size, according to researchers at NYU Langone Health in a recent study.
Although Mr James hasn’t been able to see out of that eye again, researchers are optimistic that he may ultimately be able to.
They expressed how “truly amazed” they were by Mr. James’s recovery.
“The outcomes we’re seeing after this procedure are quite incredible and could pave the way for new clinical protocols and inspire further research into complex transplants involving critical sensory organs,” said Dr Vaidehi Dedania, Mr James’ ophthalmologist.
The light-sensitive nerve cells in the donor eye, known as rods and cones, were found to have survived the transplant, according to the study’s authors, who also noted that an electroretinography test, which gauges the retina’s electrical response to light, confirmed this.
“This electrical response converts light into signals that ultimately the brain could interpret for vision, giving hope for the future of whole-eye transplants to restore sight,” researchers said.
