Leg-Derived Mitochondria Injected Into Human Eyes Show Safety, Hint at Vision Therapy Potential

Scientists performed the first human ocular mitochondrial transplantation by injecting mitochondria isolated from a leg biopsy into both eyes of a 26-year-old woman with severe vision loss. The procedure appeared safe with no immune reaction, and post-treatment results included temporary improvements in pupil light responses and evidence of organized visual-cortex activity, though there was no restoration of visual acuity. The study is a single-patient, uncontrolled case, so causation cannot be established, but it suggests a potential for repeated mitochondrial dosing and warrants further, controlled trials to explore whether healthy mitochondria can energize damaged retinal cells.