Blind for 20 years, Brent Chapman regains his vision after rare tooth-in-eye surgery. Learn how this life-changing operation works.
After living in darkness for two decades, Brent Chapman can finally see again thanks to a groundbreaking surgery that uses a patient’s own tooth to restore vision.
The procedure, known as tooth-in-eye surgery (or osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis), was performed earlier this year in Canada. Brent is now one of only three people in the country to undergo this rare operation — and the results changed his life forever.
How the Surgery Works
The surgery, first developed in the 1960s, is complex but fascinating:
A tooth is removed from the patient’s mouth.
The tooth is implanted into the cheek, where it strengthens with connective tissue over several months.
A lens is inserted into the tooth.
Both the tooth and lens are stitched into the patient’s eye socket, creating a natural anchor strong enough to hold the artificial focusing system.
Dr. Greg Moloney, of Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver, explained:
“We need a structure that is strong enough to hold onto the plastic focusing telescope, but is not going to be rejected by the body.”
Brent’s Story: From Blindness to Sight
Brent had normal eyesight until age 13, when a reaction to ibuprofen triggered a rare autoimmune disorder known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS).
SJS caused severe burns to his skin and eyes.
He lost his vision and spent 20 years blind.
He underwent 50 unsuccessful surgeries before doctors tried the tooth-in-eye procedure.
This time, it worked.
“I feel fantastic. Vision comes back and … it’s a whole new world,” Brent said.
When he first locked eyes with Dr. Moloney after the operation, Brent recalled:
“We both just burst into tears. I hadn’t really made eye contact in 20 years.”
A New Beginning
Brent’s father, Phil Chapman, said the family never gave up hope:
“We always said to Brent that we would go anywhere, do anything to keep his vision, and here we are.”
Now able to see once more, Brent looks forward to traveling, spending time with loved ones, and finally experiencing the world with his own eyes.
