In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors at NYU Langone have successfully performed the first-ever known whole-eye transplant as part of a comprehensive face transplant surgery. The procedure, led by Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, director of the Face Transplant Program at NYU Langone, marks a major step forward in restoring vision for patients with extensive facial injuries.

The recipient, identified as James from Hot Springs, Ark., suffered a life-threatening 7,200-volt electrical shock in June 2021 while working as a high-voltage lineman. Despite undergoing multiple reconstructive surgeries, James experienced significant injuries including the loss of his left eye, nose, lips, front teeth, and chin.

Months following the surgery, there have been remarkable signs of healing in James' left eye. Doctors have observed restored blood flow to the retina, the vital part of the eye responsible for receiving light and transmitting images to the brain. While it is yet to be determined if James will regain sight in his left eye, this progress is an encouraging sign.

The successful whole-eye transplant, combined with the face transplant, is a groundbreaking feat that many believed to be impossible. Dr. Rodriguez expressed his excitement about this medical milestone and the new possibilities it opens for future vision restoration procedures.

This marks the fifth face transplant performed under Dr. Rodriguez's guidance, cementing his renown in the field of facial reconstructive surgery. The surgery on James is the first known whole-eye transplant ever performed, representing a significant advancement in medical science.

The decision to proceed with a whole-eye transplant was made after careful consideration by James and his medical team. Despite the potential risk, the doctors were confident in their ability to manage James' case, as he would already be taking immunosuppressive drugs due to the face transplant. By preserving additional nerve length during the removal of James' left eye, the team maximized future reconstructive options.

James was officially listed as a recipient for the transplant in February with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a nonprofit organization responsible for managing the U.S. organ transplant system. Three months later, in May, a suitable donor was identified at another hospital in New York City.

The success of this transformative procedure brings hope not only to James but also to countless others facing similar challenges. The medical community is eagerly awaiting further updates on James' progress and the potential restoration of his vision in the coming months.

This groundbreaking whole-eye transplant showcases the remarkable capabilities of doctors and their dedication to pushing the boundaries of medical science. It serves as a testament to human resilience, the power of innovation, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the field of reconstructive surgery and vision restoration.