First successful transplant of human eye

November 13, 2023

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Surgeons at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed the world’s first transplant of an entire human eye.

The groundbreaking surgery is part of a face transplant for Aaron James, a man who suffered severe facial injuries, including the loss of one eye, in an accident with high-voltage power lines.

While it’s too early to determine if James will regain sight in the transplanted eye, the surgery aims to improve cosmetic results and support the transplanted eye socket and lid.

James is recovering well, and the transplanted eye appears healthy.

Today, transplants of the cornea — the clear tissue in front of the eye — are common to treat certain types of vision loss. However, this procedure offers insights into how the human eye heals and represents a significant step in the quest to cure blindness.