A woman from Victoria, B.C., regained her eyesight this year after being blind for a decade, thanks to a unique surgery involving a tooth implanted in her eye socket. Gail Lane, 75, underwent the rare procedure called osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis in February, becoming one of three Canadians to do so.
Lane had lost her vision ten years ago due to complications from an autoimmune disorder that led to corneal scarring. Following the two-part surgery, she gradually started to regain her ability to see. Initially, Lane could perceive light, followed by movement, and eventually, she could see her partner’s service dog, Piper, wagging its tail.
Over time, Lane’s vision improved, allowing her to see colors, nature, and even her partner’s face for the first time. She expressed joy at being able to experience these sights again. Lane mentioned that she could now distinguish facial features of other people, a development that excited her.
Although Lane has yet to see her own face in detail, she anticipates receiving new glasses to aid in this. She can now independently choose her outfits without the assistance of a volunteer app service she previously relied on.
Dr. Greg Moloney from Vancouver’s Mount Saint Joseph Hospital pioneered the tooth-in-eye surgery in Canada. The intricate procedure involves extracting a tooth from the patient’s mouth, allowing it to integrate into the cheek’s tissue, and later transplanting it into the eye socket along with a plastic lens for vision restoration.
Lane described the surgeries and recovery as uncomfortable but not painful, emphasizing that the wait was worth it. She expressed her excitement about regaining independence and mobility, envisioning short trips and walks without constant assistance.
The innovative tooth-in-eye surgery not only brought back Lane’s vision but also renewed her hope for a more independent and fulfilling life.