In a groundbreaking procedure, surgeons have completed the world's first-ever transplantation of an entire human eye. However, whether the man will regain eyesight in his newly transplanted left eye is still unknown.
Aaron James' face and one eye were severely damaged in a high-voltage power line accident. The 46-year-old's right eye is still functional. However, NYU Langone Health physicians thought that replacing the lost one would improve the aesthetic features of his new face by supporting the transplanted eye socket and lid.
Related: 6 Recent Groundbreaking Health & Medicine Advancements
There have been successful corneal transplants performed for a number of years, but the recent surgical advancement involved not only the transplantation of the cornea but also the removal of a part of the face and the entire left eye. This advanced procedure included the integration of the donor's blood supply and optic nerve. Aaron James became the beneficiary of this groundbreaking surgical breakthrough.
James sought facial transplantation at NYU Langone Health, where the procedures took place in May this year. Although complete eye transplantation had been partially successful in animals, restoring partial vision, this groundbreaking surgery had never been performed on a living person until now.
Meanwhile, the surgeons reported that James was doing well after the dual transplant. They also stated that the donated eye appeared to be in excellent condition.
Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, one of the leading surgeons on the team, said: "The mere fact that we've accomplished the first successful whole-eye transplant with a face is a tremendous feat many have long thought was not possible."
"We've made one major step forward and have paved the way for the next chapter to restore vision," Dr. Rodriguez added.
Dr. Rodriguez told news outlets that they were not claiming to be able to restore sight. However, there is no doubt in their minds that we are getting closer.
Some experts thought the eye would rapidly lose moisture and start resembling a raisin. However, when Rodriguez propped open James' left eyelid last month, the donated hazel-colored eye was as plump and fluid-filled as his own blue eye. Doctors found normal blood flow and no evidence of rejection.
Currently, the researchers are studying scans of James' brain, which revealed intriguing signals emanating from the damaged optic nerve. The difficulty now, according to scientists, is orchestrating the regeneration of the optic nerve. Animal studies are gradually overcoming this obstacle.
Related: Incredible: This Man Got the First Double-Arm Transplant
In June 2021, James, employed by a power line company, suffered a life-threatening electric shock that resulted in the loss of his left arm and the need for a prosthetic. Additionally, his damaged left eye caused so much pain that it had to be removed. Despite multiple reconstructive surgeries, his extensive facial injuries, including a missing nose and lips, proved challenging to repair.
Through a dedicated effort in physical therapy, James regained enough strength to accompany his daughter Allie to a high school homecoming, wearing a face mask and an eye patch. Despite this achievement, he still depended on breathing and feeding tubes, longing for the simple joys of smelling, tasting, and enjoying solid food once more.
In an interview, James said, "I can see out of it, that's great. But if it'll kick-start the next path in the medical field, then I'm all for it."
Cover image source: Russ Geltman/NYU Langone Health
New “Massless” Battery About to Transform the Tech World
Read this article to find out how a novel “massless” battery can change the way we design electronics forever.
Autopsies Find New Culprit Causing Alzheimer's Disease
Recent research spearheaded by the University of Washington has shed new light on the role of microglia in Alzheimer's disease...
The Art Form Inspiring Scientific Innovation for Centuries
This beautifully-animated video shows you the history of how scientific breakthrough and science fiction always go hand in hand.
This Non-Invasive Heart Surgery Could Save Thousands
This new heart surgery technique is non-invasive and could end up saving a lot of lives. Read on to find out more.
10 New Things We've Learned About The Brain
We have learned some astonishing new things about the human brain in recent times.
Incredible Science Breakthroughs That Made News in 2022
Let’s check out some of the most interesting scientific discoveries of 2022.
The McGurk Effect - Don't Believe Your Eyes!
What we hear can be affected by what we see...
Behind the Scenes of the Human-Like Atlas Robot
In this video, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the incredible Atlas robot.
7 Exciting Physics Tricks You Have to See!
Watch these seven remarkable physics tricks in this exciting and fun video.
25 Pics Showing How People in the Past Imagined the Future
Let’s see how the people of the past imagined the future and find out if their fun predictions came true with these 25 vintage pictures
9 UNBELIEVABLE Ice Science Tricks That'l Amaze You
Prepare to be amazed as ice takes center stage in these mind-boggling and unconventional science experiments.
9 Women Inventors Who Have Been Overlooked by History
History has overlooked many great women inventors. Here’s your chance to get to know a few of them.
When Under a Microscope, Even Ordinary Things Seem Alien
Have you ever given any thought to what every day things look like under a microscope? Some of these images are truly beautiful - see for yourself in the images below.
What is Your Consciousness? A Remarkable Video...
This video by Ted-ed searches to explain the origin of consciousness as well as what is consciousness.
19 Everyday Items That Started as Military Inventions
Look around your home, and you’ll surely find a handful of these items that were originally developed for the armed forces.
These 20 Tech Inventions Will Define the Next Decade
The future is here. Check out some emerging technologies that are all set to chane our world forever.
The Curious Science of Tricking Your Taste Buds
Did you know you could confuse your sense of taste? Find out how!
These Expensive Megaprojects Proved to be a Waste of Time
Not all megaprojects are useful. Here are some worthless ones.
24 Smart Storage Inventions You Didn't Know You Needed
These super useful inventions are designed to make you help space!
Visual Illusions: What Color Are These Strawberries?
Tricking our brain into believing that something is one color or shape than another thing is surprisingly easy, but can we explain why?
Incredible New Bionic Arm Fuses With Woman's Nerves
Karin's bionic hand is real sci fi, making her one of the first true cyborgs.
8 Lies We've Been Told About Electricity
These incorrect facts about electricity have been perpetuated long enough. It's time to disprove them.
Incredible: This Man Got the First Double-Arm Transplant
Felix Gretarsson got burned in both arms and needed the new ones. For that purpose, he went through history's FIRST 2-arm transplant.
Study: Biggest Ocean in the World is.. Underground?
A groundbreaking discovery by researchers reveals an enormous water reservoir deep beneath the Earth's surface.
TRIVIA: 25 Shocking Differences Between the Sexes
Did you know that there are some vast differences between the sexes? These 25 scientific facts will probably come as a big surprise to you, they did to me.
How To Be Sure Your Dog Adores You
10 scientific ways to know if your dog loves you
Scientists Develop Wrap That Determines if Food is Spoiled
Scientists at MIT have developed a biodegradable plastic-like wrap that changes color when food goes bad. Find out more…
12 Mind-Blowing Archaeological Discoveries Of 2022
Archaeologists made some remarkable discoveries in 2022. Here is a look at the most fascinating ones.
You Wouldn't Believe How Far Technology Has Come
Take a look at the advancements of technology in this video. Impressive.
What on Earth Is a Black Hole? This Video Explains All...
What on Earth are black holes, how do they affect us, and should we be at all worried about their existence? Find out here.
17 Incredible Eye Facts You Have To See To Believe
They say the eyes are the window to the soul, and they also happen to be our windows to the world. Here are 17 insanely fascinating facts about eyes.
The Accidental Discovery of the World’s First Antibiotic
Not too long ago, it was fairly common to die of the simplest of wounds due to bacterial infection. Penicillin changed everything.
The Science Behind Why Laughter is the Best Medicine
They say laughter is the best medicine. But why exactly do we laugh?
Can One Photo Really Tell How Good Your Eyesight Is?
Scientists say that this single photograph can tell you whether you have good vision or not. Who can you see in the image?
Are Smartphones Making Us Stupid? This Will Surprise You!
If you use a smartphone you need to see this!
These Photos Show How Dependent We are On Smartphones
Technology has taken over and these funny (but true) photos help to drive this fact home.
The First Robot Ever Made Was Created 250 Years Ago...
This automaton is pure genius, especially when you consider it was built 250 years ago...
This Giant Tank Will Unlock the Universe’s Big Mysteries
Japan is building a huge underground tank inside a mountain to help unlock the many mysteries of the universe.
New Study: A Pill that Works Out Your Muscles?!?
New study shows that, though we are not there yet, a pill can and probably WILL come out that works out the muscles and grows them.
There are Some Great Secrets Found in Mathematics...
Numbers hold some great secrets - they even tell us about life!
26 Incredible Facts About the Human Mind
The human brain is an interesting and powerful organ, which is why we've gathered 26 interesting facts about exactly how human psychology works.
Let's Talk About Size, From Big to Huge.
an incredible discovery that leads us to a better and better understanding of these objects' true size.
19 Things to AVOID to Make Your Phone Live Longer
19 common mistakes we all make, that make our phones age quicker.
Are Underwater Turbines the Answer to Our Energy Question?
One of the most promising technologies in the renewable energy market is the ocean. Learn all about it.
These Are the Miracles That Happen in Our Bodies Every Day
There is a lot that happens inside our bodies every single day. Did you know any of these facts?
Thought Nature is Wild? See It Under a Microscope
You won't believe the things you could discover by looking at everyday items under a microscope.
5 Robotics Trends Anticipated in 2024
What does 2024 have in store for the field of robotics?