After a decade of living in darkness, 75-year-old Gail Lane of British Columbia has seen her sight restored through a unique and groundbreaking surgery known as “tooth-in-eye” operation. This rare method, recently performed for the first time in Canada, uses a patient’s own tooth fitted with a lens to replace a damaged cornea.
Gail lost her vision due to corneal scarring caused by an autoimmune disease. Her surgery at Vancouver’s Mount Saint Joseph Hospital by Dr. Greg Moloney involved implanting the tooth first into her cheek for months to develop the tissue needed before placing it in her eye.
Since the surgery, Gail has begun to see colors, nature, and even recognize people’s faces, such as her partner’s, bringing new hope for greater independence. She describes the sensation as “wonderful” and is looking forward to more progress in the months ahead.
The procedure is extremely complex but offers new options for patients with specific types of blindness. Gail’s journey highlights a significant medical achievement and the potential to transform lives affected by corneal damage.
