A man who had been blind for 40 years can see again after receiving a stem cell transplant. Mike May, of California, lost his sight in an accident at the age of three when he lost one eye and was blinded in the other. Since then, he has been able to perceive some light through his damaged eye, but he could not make out form or contrast. However, all that changed two years ago when doctors transplanted corneal and limbal stem cells in his damaged eye. Just five months after the transplant, Mr May was able to perceive movement and was able to recognise simple shapes. Now, two years later, he can see form, color, and motion almost normally. However, his 3-D perception and face and object recognition is still impaired. Mr May said of the transplant: “The difference between today and over two years ago is that I can better guess what I am seeing.”
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.bbc.co.uk on the 25th August 2003.
