Blind Woman Sees Again After Receiving Tooth Implant in Eye

In a groundbreaking medical development, a 75-year-old Canadian woman named Gail Lane has regained her vision after undergoing a rare and innovative eye surgery. Lane, who had been blind for the past 10 years due to an autoimmune disorder that scarred her corneas, was one of the first people to receive the "tooth-in-eye" procedure, also known as osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP).

The two-part operation involved removing one of Lane's teeth, slicing it lengthwise, and then polishing it to create a smooth plate. A hole was then drilled into the tooth plate to accommodate a prosthetic cornea, which was later stitched into Lane's eye socket. Prior to the surgery, the tooth plate was implanted into Lane's cheek for three months, allowing it to form connective tissue and blood vessels to ensure it wouldn't be rejected.

Just six months after the procedure, Lane was able to see her partner for the first time since losing her sight. "I can see lots of color and I can see outside now. The trees and the grass and flowers, it's a wonderful feeling to be able to see some of those things again," she expressed with joy. While she hasn't yet been able to see her own face, Lane is hopeful that with the help of new glasses, this milestone will soon be achieved.

The groundbreaking surgery, which was performed for the first time in Canada by Dr. Greg Moloney, is a testament to the remarkable advancements in medical science. By utilizing the patient's own tooth as a sturdy foundation for the prosthetic cornea, the procedure offers a promising solution for those with damaged corneas who have exhausted other treatment options.