Vision Restored Through World's First Retinal Transplant Surgery
The world's first retinal and tissue transplant operation was successfully performed in Italy on a 67-year-old patient who was blinded in a severe traffic accident.
Elena, a 67-year-old living in Italy, regained the vision she lost as a result of a severe traffic accident through a special surgical method applied for the first time in the world at Molinette Hospital of the University of Turin.
Vision Loss Developed After Traffic Accident
Elena, a 67-year-old living in Italy, completely lost her vision in both eyes due to a severe traffic accident she had.
While the patient became blind due to damage to the optic nerve in her left eye, her right eye was already damaged due to macular degeneration prior to the accident.
Historic Operation Performed at the University of Turin
A groundbreaking operation was performed by an expert team led by Professor Michele Reibaldi at the Eye Clinic of Molinette Hospital, University of Turin.
During this challenging surgical intervention lasting approximately six hours, living tissues from the patient's left eye were transplanted to the damaged area in her right eye.
Special Surgical Method Applied for the First Time in the World
In the operation performed, cornea, sclera, and conjunctiva tissues, as well as the macula region located in the center of the retina, were successfully transferred.
This special and comprehensive surgical approach holds the distinction of being a world first in medical literature.
A New Life Arriving After Years
Following the successfully completed surgery, Elena, who began to see again after years, experienced the joy of seeing her loved ones.
After the operation, the patient was able to recognize the face of her son and her guide dog Joe once again.