Colorado Matters Dec. 9, 2024: Blindness cure in the works; Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey turns 20
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Dec 9, 2024 Kia Washington, a surgeon at CU Anschutz, discusses groundbreaking advancements in eye transplants aimed at restoring vision for those affected by blindness, tackling challenges like immunosuppression and optic nerve regeneration. Justin Aiden, head blender at Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, reflects on two decades of distilling excellence, highlighting the unique processes that create their American single malt. The conversation also touches on the importance of the local environment in whiskey production and celebrates the distillery's rich heritage.
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First Eye Transplant
- An eye transplant was performed at NYU in 2023, but not for vision restoration.
- It was part of a face transplant for aesthetic reasons, with no reported vision return.
Future of Eye Transplants
- Dr. Washington believes someone alive today will see due to eye transplant surgery.
- The likely recipient would be someone with traumatic eye injury.
Eye Preservation
- Preserving the eye during transfer is crucial due to the sensitivity of retinal ganglion cells.
- Research focuses on perfusion techniques to minimize ischemia time.