The article below comes from 1922. There were many articles in the early 1900s about transplanting animal eyes into human eyes, but never any follow up. That is probably because even in 2016, doctors and scientists are still working out the kinks of cornea and whole eye transplants involving animal donors. I shiver at the thought of what may have become of these early human experiments.
Doctor Promises To Restore Sight With A Pig’s Eye
Specialist Will Transplant Optic in Youth Blinded by Fireworks
A remarkable operation is to be performed at Peterson, N.J., within a week or so by Dr. Edward Morgan, eye specialist, No. 316 Van Houghten Street, who plans to restore sight to Alfred Lemonowicz, eighteen years old of Lyndhurst, by putting a pig’s eye into his head.
The operation came to public attention today when Chief Justice Minturn granted the application of Abraham Klenert, attorney, to appoint Joseph Burke as “next friend” to Lemonowicz so that Burke might bring a suit against Lyndhurst Township for $100,000 damages alleged to have been sustained by Lemonowicz nine years ago.
On July 19, 1913, Lemonowicz then nine years old, attained some fireworks from the township, according to the complainant in the suit, which had been intended for the celebration of the previous Fourth of July. While playing with the fireworks the Lemonowicz boy lost his sight, one of the eyes being blown out and the sight of the other destroyed.
Dr. Morgan said that the optic nerves were not destroyed, and that with the pig’s eye the youth would be able to see for the rest of his life. Dr. Morgan said he made a similar operation twenty years ago for a woman, who saw for three years, when the pig’s eye went blind. This will not happen in Lemonowicz’s case, Dr. Morgan said.
Young Lemonowicz said that he has complete faith in Dr. Morgan and expects soon to have his sight again through the pig’s eye. The operation is to be performed in a Paterson hotel.
Source: The Evening World (New York City, NY newspaper). December 20, 1922.
