US News: Army veteran given ‘gift of a second chance’ with world’s first whole-eye transplant
An army veteran who received the world’s first whole-eye transplant has expressed gratitude for being given “the gift of a second chance”.
Aaron James, 47, from Arkansas in the US, suffered the loss of his left eye and most of his face after an accident involving an electrical cable three years ago. He also lost his left arm and now uses a prosthetic.
In May 2023, Aaron underwent a groundbreaking 21-hour surgery with over 140 healthcare professionals to replace his face, including receiving a new eye. This procedure has been hailed as a “monumental achievement” by doctors.
Despite undergoing surgeries on animals that showed a different outcome, with the eye often shrinking significantly, Aaron’s donor eye has continued to maintain normal pressure and blood flow more than a year after the transplant.
Although unable to see with his left eye, Aaron stated that he is grateful to be considered “patient zero” and believes his progress could revolutionize future eye surgeries.
Aaron expressed, “This past year has been incredibly transformative for me. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be given a second chance.”
Mr James with his wife Meagan. Pic: The James Family/PA
Mr James and Meagan following the surgery. Pic: Haley Riccardi/NYU Langone Health/PA
Dr Eduardo Rodriguez, chair of the Hansjorg Wyss Department Of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Health in the US, remarked, “We are truly amazed by Aaron’s recovery, with no episodes of rejection.”
Dr Daniel Ceradini added, “The whole thing has been a monumental achievement, considering how Aaron has done post operatively and how good he functions and looks.”
Mr James with Dr Daniel Ceradini, Dr Eduardo Rodriguez (right) and nurse Allison Rojas (left). Pic: Haley Riccardi/NYU Langone Health/PA
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Aaron, a 10-year veteran of the Army National Guard, expressed his delight at being able to smell, taste, and eat solid food after two years of consuming purees. He described eating pizza as a pivotal moment in his recovery process.
He recalled, “The very first thing I can remember after waking up from surgery is being able to smell because before that, I couldn’t smell due to the absence of a nose, which also meant I couldn’t taste anything.
“I could only consume food through a straw because my mouth was immobile – I couldn’t open or close it.”
