Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Global News
Topics: News, Canada, World News
Kit Roberts
A woman had her sight restored by an operation which was described as a 'miracle'.
Gail Lane was blinded over 10 years ago due to complications with an auto-immune disorder which scarred her corneas.
But an incredible and pioneering surgery allowed Gail's sight be restored, and it included a part of the body that you might not expect.
That's because surgeons used part of Gail's tooth to restore her vision.
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The surgery is called 'tooth-in-eye' surgery, or 'osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis' to give it its full medical name.
Gail is from Victoria in British Colombia, and was one of three patients in Canada to have the procedure in February.
The operation is extremely unusual, and is effectively a way to replace someone's cornea.
There are several stages to the procedure, with the first being removing someone's tooth and then implanting it into their cheek.
In the cheek, the tooth starts to develop connective tissue over several months.
Once ready, the tooth is removed from the cheek and used to support a lens which replaces the cornea.
The idea is that the tooth is strong enough to support the weight, and as it is from the body it won't be rejected.
Ophthalmologist Dr Greg Moloney said: "It's a complex and strange operation, but it basically involves replacing the cornea."
And Gail has shared just how successful the procedure has been for her.
"I can see lots of color and I can see outside now," she told CBC News. "The trees and the grass and flowers, it's a wonderful feeling to be able to see some of those things again."
Her vision is not as it was, but the process of healing is slow, and Gail shared she is excited for it.
"I'm starting to see facial features on other people as well, which is also pretty exciting," she said.
"I'm hoping to have more mobility and independence in terms of short trips and walks here and there where I don't always have to have someone's arm for me to grab onto.
"I'm just looking forward, really, to seeing what I can do or do again - and trying to just be patient and let my brain adjust a bit because that's another big part of this."
She added: "It's been a long, it's been a long wait, but well, well worth it."
Gaul now hopes that she will soon be able to see her partner's face again, as well as their black Labrador Piper.