The first stem cell tissue transplant eye operation in Ireland has been performed at the Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital in Dublin on 46-year-old Patrick Godfrey from Co Tipperary. The hour-long operation restored his deteriorating sight.
Stem cells were grown at the eye bank at the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to be used for the procedure.
The surgery was led by William Power, ophthalmic surgeon at the hospital who has said that it will be up to six weeks before doctors will know how successful the operation has been.
Mr Godfrey has had sight problems since birth due to a genetic condition and boasts an artificial left eye. It is hoped the operation will lead to healthy stem cells growing in the cornea in Mr Godfrey’s right eye to improve his sight.
Dr Power said he hoped that around six such operations could be performed here this year and thanked Dublin City University for its collaboration on the project.