A groundbreaking experimental procedure involving stem cells from one eye has shown promise in restoring vision to patients with severe eye injuries. Phil Durst, who lost his vision after a chemical accident, was one of four patients in the first U.S. study of this technique.

The procedure aims to treat "limbal stem cell deficiency," a corneal disorder that can result from chemical burns and other eye injuries. It involves taking a small biopsy of stem cells from a healthy eye and growing them on a graft in a lab.

While additional treatment may be necessary, this procedure offers hope to those with limited treatment options.

The experimental procedure involving stem cells from one eye to treat severe eye injuries is showing promise. After a small biopsy of stem cells is taken from the healthy eye, they are expanded and grown on a graft in a lab and later transplanted into the injured eye.

In the first U.S. study of this technique, all patients saw restoration of their cornea surfaces. Some patients also received artificial corneal transplants, while others reported significantly improved vision with the stem cell transplant alone.

This procedure, which uses a patient's own tissue, offers hope to those with limited treatment options, with around 1,000 people in the U.S. potentially benefiting each year.

Nick Kharufeh, a 26-year-old real estate agent, moved to Boston to participate in the study after suffering an eye injury.

Thanks to the experimental procedure, he can now see well enough to fly a small plane. While his dream of becoming a commercial pilot may be on hold, he still enjoys flying whenever he returns to California.

Kharufeh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the trial, which has significantly improved his vision and quality of life.