Doctors “truly amazed” by eye transplant recovery results

A veteran named Aaron James, who made history by receiving the world’s first whole-eye transplant, has recently exchanged his old license plate that displayed his injured face for a new one that symbolizes his remarkable recovery.

James, a utility line worker, suffered a grave accident in June 2021 when he inadvertently touched a 7,200 volt live wire. This unfortunate incident led to significant facial injuries and resulted in the loss of his left eye. By May 2023, doctors completed the groundbreaking procedure that involved a whole-eye transplant alongside a partial-face transplant.

Reflecting on his journey, James shared, “I’m pretty much back to being a normal guy, doing normal things.” He expressed his gratitude in a statement from NYU Langone Health in New York City, stating that the past year has been “the most transformative” of his life. While his vision has yet to return, there is optimism among the medical team regarding the future potential of such transplants.

James cannot recall the harrowing details of his accident, but he was immediately taken to a regional burn unit after the incident. The severity of his injuries posed a significant challenge for his medical team. Dr. Eddie Rodriguez, one of the surgeons involved in the transplant, noted the extent of James’ injuries, stating, “They have to amputate his arm above the elbow, so right at the midarm. His face is destroyed.”

Following the accident, James was placed in a medically induced coma for six weeks and spent more than three months at a burn unit in a Dallas hospital. Upon waking, he discovered the profound impact of his injuries: loss of his nose, front teeth, left eye, and dominant left hand, along with significant damage to the structure of his face.

As a National Guard veteran who served multiple tours overseas, James faced the grueling recovery process with resilience. Despite undergoing several reconstructive surgeries, he struggled with basic functions such as eating, drinking, and speaking. Eventually, he agreed to proceed with the face transplant operation, which included the innovative eye transplant.

Post-surgery, James regained sensory abilities, allowing him to taste, smell, and consume solid foods once again. However, his sight has not yet returned. Remarkably, doctors have noted that the transplant procedure provides hope for future whole-eye transplants aimed at restoring vision. This optimism stems from tests showing that the eye’s light-sensitive nerve cells survived the transplant.

Dr. Rodriguez shared the team’s astonishment at James’ recovery, highlighting the lack of rejection episodes and their successful matching process which significantly contributed to the transplant’s success. “We are truly amazed by Aaron’s recovery,” he stated, emphasizing the unique immunosuppression regimen that played a crucial role in avoiding complications.

As the medical community looks forward, Dr. Paul Glimcher, director of the Neuroscience Institute at NYU Langone, outlined the next steps. The focus will be on preserving nerve cells throughout the transplant process, which is vital for restoring the connections necessary for sight. He emphasized that vision relies heavily on the brain’s functions rather than solely the eyes themselves.

The team plans to continue collaborating with James to explore ways to restore sight. In a poignant reflection, he remarked, “I have felt honored to be patient zero. Even if I can’t see out of my new eye, I’ve gained my quality of life back, and I know this is a step forward in the path to help future patients.”

Now, James looks forward to personal milestones, including the upcoming moment of sending his daughter off to college. He concluded with a heartfelt sentiment: “I’ve been given the gift of a second chance, and I don’t take a single moment for granted.”