Lucy Devine
A US military veteran has received the world's first eye transplant after suffering a devastating accident back in 2021, with researchers 'truly amazed' by his progress.
Aaron James, 46, was working as a high-voltage utility lineman when he survived a devastating electrical accident.
The dad had been holding a neutral wire when he was struck in the face by a live wire with a 7,200-volt charge.
Although Aaron's life was spared, he lost most of his face in the incident before going through a facial tissue and eye transplant.
Incredibly, over one year on from the 21-hour surgery and Aaron is making huge progress, with his donor eye maintaining pressure, size and even blood flow.
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The operation saw surgeons inject into James special stem cells from the person who donated the eye, in the hope of spurring the repair of the optic nerve.
But there's one question that's always asked - can Aaron see out of the transplanted eye?
Discussing Aaron's incredible journey, YouTuber and doctor, @DrEyeGuy explained: "[Doctors] had to connect the eye muscles, create adequate blood supply to the outside and inner part of the eye, and they had to connect the donor optic nerve with Aaron's optic nerve which is amazing.
"Now, unfortunately, he can't see out of that eye, but I don't want that to lessen the miracle here.
"They're reporting good blood flow to the eye, the eye is able to hold its pressure, and they're showing that the brain is actually receiving electrical signals through that optic nerve.
"If Aaron is able to develop any vision in that eye that's going to be a crazy step."
Researchers at NYU Langone Health are hopeful that one day, Aaron may be able to see out of the eye again.
"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, Aaron's ophthalmologist.
In a study detailing the progress, authors explained that after evaluating the retina's electrical response to light, they found that the light-sensitive nerves in the eye survived the transplant.
"This electrical response converts light into signals that ultimately the brain could interpret for vision, giving hope for the future of whole-eye transplants with an aim to restore sight," they said.
Eduardo D. Rodriguez, senior author of the study and lead surgeon explained that the team are amazed with Aaron's recovery.
“Our discoveries over the past year mark promising initial results, laying a foundation for further advancements and ongoing research,” he said.
“We are truly amazed by Aaron’s recovery, with no episodes of rejection. Our methodical approach to the matching process, ensuring that Aaron received the most favorable donor match, along with our unique immunosuppression regimen, has set the standard for eliminating and avoiding early rejection episodes.”
Meanwhile, speaking about his experience, Aaron added: "This has been the most transformative year of my life. I’ve been given the gift of a second chance, and I don’t take a single moment for granted.”