Brent Chapman, a 33-year-old massage therapist from North Vancouver, has become the first person in Canada to undergo an extraordinary procedure known as osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (Tooth in Eye Surgery).
This groundbreaking surgery, performed at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver, offers a unique and unconventional approach to restoring vision by implanting a patient’s tooth into their eye. The operation, which has been performed successfully in other countries, represents a significant leap in ophthalmic surgery in Canada.
The Science Behind ‘Tooth in Eye Surgery‘
Tooth in Eye Surgery, an incredibly rare and intricate procedure, is designed to restore vision in patients suffering from corneal blindness. This method is particularly beneficial for individuals who have suffered damage to the cornea due to autoimmune diseases, chemical burns, or traumatic injuries.
Unlike conventional corneal transplants, which rely on donor corneas, OOKP utilizes the patient’s own tooth as a base to support an artificial lens.
The procedure is performed in two major stages. The first stage involves extracting one of the patient’s teeth, usually a canine, and shaping it into a rectangular block.
A hole is drilled in the tooth, and a plastic optical lens is inserted. The prepared tooth is then implanted into the patient’s cheek for a period of three months. This allows the tooth to develop a layer of connective tissue, which is crucial for successful integration into the eye.
Simultaneously, a graft from the inside of the patient’s cheek is placed over the surface of the damaged eye. This graft helps prepare the eye to accept the implanted tooth in the second stage of the surgery. After a healing period, the second phase of the procedure involves retrieving the tooth from the cheek and implanting it into the eye.
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The previously placed cheek tissue is lifted, the damaged iris and lens are removed, and the tooth with the optical lens is sewn into place. Once the graft is repositioned over the eye, a small hole is left for the lens, allowing light to enter and restoring the patient’s ability to see.
You need to see this. Putting teeth in your eyeball to fix blindness. It’s amazing what people come up with. Your body won’t reject it because it part of you. I wonder how they thought of this. I’m going to ask my retina specialist next time pic.twitter.com/01MGFJx0G9
— Scaredy Cat (@hello_jaime) February 28, 2025
Dr. Greg Moloney, an ophthalmologist and surgeon at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, led the operation. With prior experience in performing seven successful OOKP surgeries in Australia, Dr. Moloney brought his expertise to Canada, marking a historic milestone in the country’s medical advancements.
The Journey of Brent Chapman
Chapman’s journey toward regaining his sight has been fraught with difficulties. He lost his vision in both eyes due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe autoimmune reaction triggered by a dose of ibuprofen he took at the age of 13.
Over the past two decades, he has undergone 50 surgeries in a desperate bid to restore his sight. Unfortunately, each of these interventions provided only temporary relief, with his vision repeatedly deteriorating over time.
“When I get it back, you know, it would be sort of this great rush,” Chapman recounted. “Then I’d lose it again, and it would be heartbreaking, and I sort of sank into this depression.”
When Dr. Moloney introduced him to the idea of OOKP, Chapman was initially hesitant. The concept of having his tooth implanted into his eye seemed surreal. However, after speaking with an Australian woman who had successfully regained her sight through the procedure, Chapman’s outlook changed.
“She had been completely blind for 20 years and is now snow skiing,” he said. Inspired by her story, he decided to go ahead with the surgery, hopeful that this would be his final and most effective attempt at restoring his vision.
The Future of OOKP in Canada
Chapman is one of six patients selected for the pilot OOKP program at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital. The success of these surgeries will determine whether Canada establishes its first dedicated OOKP clinic. If all goes well, Dr. Moloney and his team plan to seek funding from Health Canada to make this life-changing procedure more widely available in the country.
“If we’re successful in getting this up and running and stabilized in Vancouver, then we will be the only active North American center for the operation,” Dr. Moloney stated.
Despite its groundbreaking nature, OOKP is not without risks. As with any ocular surgery, complications such as infections or rejection of the implant could occur, potentially leading to further vision loss.
However, the high success rate of the procedure provides a strong incentive for its continuation. A 2022 study from Italy revealed that 94% of patients who underwent OOKP still had their vision intact even 27 years after the surgery.
For individuals with corneal blindness who have exhausted all other treatment options, OOKP offers a beacon of hope. By utilizing the patient’s own tissue, the risk of rejection is significantly minimized. Additionally, the procedure’s ability to provide long-term vision restoration makes it a compelling alternative to traditional corneal transplants.
Chapman’s case has already drawn widespread attention, highlighting the potential of OOKP to change lives. If successful, his story will serve as an inspiration to countless individuals battling blindness due to corneal damage. His dreams of playing basketball and traveling the world once again may soon become a reality.
The future of OOKP in Canada now rests on the outcomes of these initial surgeries. If Mount Saint Joseph Hospital’s pilot program proves effective, Canada could emerge as a leader in this innovative field of vision restoration. As researchers and surgeons continue to refine the procedure, more patients may have the opportunity to regain their sight through this remarkable blend of dentistry and ophthalmology.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏