Neuro-Ophthalmologic Hurdles in Whole-Eye Transplantation

Current Transplantation Reports volume 8, pages28–33(2021)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Anatomical and functional successes have extended into the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation. However, the goal of whole-eye transplantation continues as an unfinished effort, primarily because of difficulties accomplishing optic nerve repair and regeneration. This review provides a summary of neuro-ophthalmological findings regarding eye donors and recipients, based on ocular function in donors and neurophysiological events known to occur in blind people.

Recent Findings

Experimental advances regarding regeneration of the optic nerve in lower mammals have demonstrated anatomical success, but little is known regarding functional capacity. Modern imaging and functional studies in patients with brain death and patients with blindness have provided useful information concerning possible scenarios in whole-eye transplantation.

Summary

Some questions remain regarding the functionality of an eye in a hypothetical donor, as well as the ability of the recipient’s visual pathway to perform adequately. A multidisciplinary approach, involving both clinical and basic research, is necessary to address the challenges of whole-eye transplantation.

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Affiliations

  1. Ocular Ultrasound Service, Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera en México, Vicente García Torres 46, San Lucas, Coyoacán, 04030, Mexico City, Mexico

    Mariana Mayorquín-Ruiz MD & Carla Gabriela Ramírez-Cedillo MD

  2. Neurophthalmology Department, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico City, Mexico

    Thamar Gómez-Villegas MD

  3. Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico

    Gabriela Nava-Márquez MD

  4. Plastic Surgery Service, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico

    Patricia Butrón-Gandarillas MD & Martín Iglesias-Morales MD

  5. Research Department, Asociación para Evitar la Ceguera en México, 04030, Mexico City, Mexico

    Hugo Quiroz-Mercado MD

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  1. Mariana Mayorquín-Ruiz MD
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  2. Thamar Gómez-Villegas MD
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Mayorquín-Ruiz, M., Gómez-Villegas, T., Ramírez-Cedillo, C.G. et al. Neuro-Ophthalmologic Hurdles in Whole-Eye Transplantation. Curr Transpl Rep 8, 28–33 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40472-021-00312-7

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Keywords

  • Whole-eye transplant
  • Optic nerve regeneration
  • Blindness
  • Visual restoration
  • Vascularized composite allotransplantation
  • Retinal ganglion cells