Huge scientific progress has been recorded in Turin, Italy, in the field of ophthalmology, according to today’s reports in the Italian press.

Thanks to autotransplantation of the entire surface of the eye (including the cornea, part of the sclera and conjunctiva), the blind patient managed to partially restore his vision.

The operation was performed at Le Molinete Hospital in Turin. The patient is 83 years old and lost sight in his left eye 30 years ago due to a retinal problem. Ten years ago, he also became blind in his right eye due to a rare disease. The autograft was made possible by the use of material from the left eye, “which had functional problems but retained a healthy surface,” the experts explained.

The operation lasted four hours, and after two weeks the patient recognizes faces and objects and moves independently, according to the Italian press.