In a groundbreaking medical first, Brent Chapman has become a pioneer in Canada’s journey towards restoring vision through a remarkable surgical innovation—osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP), commonly known as tooth-in-eye surgery. Initially apprehensive when presented with this unconventional method by his doctor, Chapman found inspiration in the success story of an Australian woman who regained her sight and is now skiing after two decades of blindness. This personal connection galvanized his resolve to proceed with the procedure.

A Closer Look at the Procedure

The OOKP surgery is as fascinating as it is integral for those suffering from severe corneal blindness. It is performed in two distinct phases, several months apart. In the first stage, a tooth—typically a canine due to its strong dentine—is carefully extracted and reshaped to accommodate a plastic optical lens. This tooth is then temporarily implanted into the patient’s cheek, where it develops essential blood vessels and connective tissues necessary for later integration into the eye.

While this happens, the eye requires preparation for transplantation. Surgeons meticulously remove scar tissue from the cornea and replace it with a piece of tissue from the patient's cheek, forming a protective flap that creates an optimal environment for the future tooth-implant.

Once the tooth has properly integrated into the body, it is surgically extracted from the cheek and placed in the front of the eye, resulting in a pink eye with a small black opening that allows light to pass through the lens, effectively granting the patient sight once more.

The Science Behind the Surgery

While the notion of implanting a tooth into the eye may sound bizarre, it is grounded in sound medical science. Dr. Greg Moloney, the ophthalmologist steering the Canadian surgeries, highlights that the unique properties of dentine make it a superb material for this application. Unlike synthetic implants, which can provoke immune responses and rejection, implanting a patient’s own tooth greatly reduces these risks. A stunning 94% of patients in a recent study from Italy maintained their vision effectively for an impressive average of 27 years following this surgery.

Not for Everyone, But a Lifeline for Many

It is essential to understand that OOKP is intended for specific cases of corneal blindness, particularly those caused by autoimmune diseases, chemical burns, or severe eye scarring—provided the retina and optic nerves still function. The procedure is intricate and performed on only one eye at a time due to potential risks, such as infections and the possibility of total vision loss.

For patients like Chapman, who has undergone over 50 eye surgeries in the past 20 years with minimal temporary improvements, the risk of this procedure is a calculated gamble in search of lasting vision.

A New Era for Canadian Patients

Historically, those in Canada requiring this advanced surgery faced the daunting prospect of traveling overseas for treatment. However, Dr. Moloney, who has already successfully performed seven OOKP surgeries in Australia, is in the process of establishing Canada’s first dedicated OOKP clinic at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver. The initiative has received a generous boost of $430,000 from the St. Paul’s Foundation to support its initial three years, ensuring patients can receive this life-saving surgery closer to home.

Dr. Samir Jabbour, a prominent ophthalmologist at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, describes this development as a “great opportunity for Canadian medicine,” affirming that making OOKP accessible within Canada alleviates the logistical and emotional burdens currently faced by patients seeking treatment abroad.

A New Hope for the Future

For Brent Chapman, the allure of recovering his vision represents more than just restoring sight; it's akin to reclaiming a cherished part of his life. With optimism, he anticipates the possibility of engaging in activities he once enjoyed—playing basketball, traveling, and experiencing the beauty of the world anew.

“Hopefully, this will break some ground,” Chapman states. “If this becomes a common treatment option in Canada, I believe it will provide hope to many others like me.” This pioneering approach may not just redefine what’s possible in restoring vision for countless individuals, but it may also pave the way for renewed lives filled with possibilities.