Man Receives World’s First Eye Transplant, And Everyone Has The Same Question

Aaron James underwent a groundbreaking 21-hour transplant after surviving a high-voltage electrical accident in 2021

A U.S. military veteran has made history by receiving the world’s first full-eye transplant, and doctors are stunned by how well he is recovering.

Aaron James, 46, was working as a high-voltage utility lineman when he suffered a life-altering accident.

He was holding a neutral wire when a live wire carrying 7,200 volts struck his face, causing catastrophic injuries.

Although Aaron miraculously survived, he lost most of his face in the accident. To restore his appearance and function, doctors performed a complex facial tissue and eye transplant.

More than a year after the 21-hour operation, Aaron’s donor eye is showing promising signs, maintaining its size, blood flow, and proper pressure.

As part of the procedure, surgeons injected stem cells from the donor into Aaron’s body, hoping this would stimulate the regeneration of his optic nerve.

Despite the incredible medical achievement, one question remains on everyone’s mind—can Aaron actually see out of his transplanted eye?

NYU Langone Health

Discussing Aaron’s case, 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.”

Although Aaron’s vision has not yet returned, researchers at NYU Langone Health remain hopeful. They believe that with continued advancements, he may regain sight in the future.

Dr. Vaidehi Dedania, Aaron’s ophthalmologist, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough: “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,”

To better understand the transplant’s impact, researchers examined the retina’s electrical response to light. Their findings suggest that light-sensitive nerves in the donor eye survived.

They explained: “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,”

The team hope that Aaron may one day be able to see from the eyeNYU Langone Health

Dr. Eduardo D. Rodriguez, the study’s senior author and lead surgeon, expressed his amazement at Aaron’s progress.

He noted: “Our discoveries over the past year mark promising initial results, laying a foundation for further advancements and ongoing research,”

“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.”

Reflecting on his experience, Aaron shared his gratitude for this life-changing opportunity.

“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.”