Woman can now see through her tooth after losing her sight a decade ago
A blind woman has had her sight restored after 10 long years thanks to a 'miracle' operation.
Gail Lane has become the first Canadian in history to regain her vision thanks to 'tooth-in-eye' surgery - medical name, 'osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis', but that's a mouthful - or at least it was before the tooth was taken out!
The 75-year-old was gradually blinded a decade ago following complications with an auto-immune disorder which led to scarring on her corneas.
Lane, of Victoria in British Columbia, was one of three patients to undergo the procedure in Canada back in February.
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"I can see lots of color and I can see outside now. The trees and the grass and flowers, it's a wonderful feeling to be able to see some of those things again," she told CBC News.
However, six months on from the procedure she is still not able to see the world as she once did but shared that it's a slow process and one that excites her.
"I'm starting to see facial features on other people as well, which is also pretty exciting," Lane explained.
"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."
Lane's starting to see the facial features of her partner - who she has never seen before as their romance blossomed after she became blind, as well as their black Labrador, Piper.
Following the completion of the complex surgery, which was undertaken in two parts, she was able to see light and her dog's tail wagging.
Lane will be receiving a new pair of glasses soon, and hopes to be able to see her own face again for the first time this year.
The genius behind the surgery is Dr Greg Moloney, of Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver, who mimicked the same procedure that he has seen carried out in various countries around the world.
How does tooth-in-eye surgery work?
The ophthalmologist said: "It's a complex and strange operation, but it basically involves replacing the cornea."
Dr Moloney explained that the procedure starts with removing a tooth from the patient's mouth before implanting it into their cheek, where it will be covered by sturdy connective tissue over the space of a few months.
The tooth is then removed and a lens is carefully placed into it. The connective tissue is then used to hold it in place while both the tooth and the lens are stitched into the patient's eye socket.
"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," Dr Moloney added.
Joe Yates