World-First Eye Surgery Restores Sight

A pioneering retinal transplant has restored vision to a woman who had been blind for more than five years, opening new possibilities for eye surgery in Italy.

“The initial results are encouraging,” said Professor Michele Reibaldi, Director of the University Eye Clinic at Molinette Hospital. “The greatest reward for all of us was the incredible moment when Elena, opening her eyes again, was finally able to recognise the faces of her son and her faithful life partner, Joe.”

During the nearly six-hour operation, surgeons transferred healthy tissue from the patient’s non-seeing left eye to reconstruct her damaged right eye, including the cornea and, for the first time, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. The 67-year-old patient is showing progressive improvement, and clinical checks confirm that the transferred tissue has taken hold. Doctors are continuing to assess how well the transplanted retina functions, but hope the procedure could eventually help restore greater independence.