Globe transplant for the restoration of vision in people who suffer catastrophic injury may be a step closer after a whole face and eye transplant saw the successful revascularisation of the transplanted eye.

Researchers in New York published their findings in JAMA after the surgical procedure was performed on a man who sustained catastrophic tissue loss to his face and left globe after an accident. He underwent a transplant with primary optic nerve coaptation and conventional postoperative immunosuppression. 

Following transplant, there was evidence of globe and retinal perfusion, retinal responses to light, and lack of acute rejection. However, there was no light perception at one year post-transplant.