beauty

News 09/09/2025 14:40

Man who can see through his tooth after being blind for two decades speaks out about experience

A man who regained his sight after two decades has shared his remarkable experience following a 'miracle' operation involving a tooth.

Brent Chapman underwent a unique procedure called "tooth-in-eye" surgery, or osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis, earlier this year in Canada, becoming one of only three people to have had the surgery. Man who can see through his tooth after being blind for two decades speaks out about experience

This technique, which dates back to the 1960s, begins by removing a tooth from the patient's mouth and implanting it into the cheek, where it is covered with connective tissue over a few months. Once the tissue has fully integrated, the tooth is removed, and a lens is placed into it. The tooth and lens are then stitched into the patient's eye socket, with the connective tissue holding everything securely in place.

"We need a structure that is strong enough to hold the plastic focusing lens, but also one that won’t be rejected by the body," explained Dr. Greg Moloney of Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver.

Chapman had normal vision until he was 13, when an allergic reaction to ibuprofen after a school basketball game triggered a rare autoimmune disorder called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare and severe condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes, usually as a reaction to medication. It often starts with flu-like symptoms followed by a painful rash that spreads and blisters. The affected skin then begins to die and peel off, eventually healing over several days. Brent Chapman can see again thanks to the 'miracle' procedure (YouTube/CBSChicago)

Chapman endured full-body burns from the disorder, including severe damage to his eyes, and his vision was permanently lost.

After 50 failed procedures, Chapman’s sight was finally restored with the "tooth-in-eye" surgery. "I feel fantastic. My vision has returned, and it's a whole new world," he told ABC 7. In an emotional moment with CBS Chicago, Chapman recalled how he broke into tears when he made eye contact with the surgeon who performed the operation for the first time in 20 years.

"When Dr. Moloney and I made eye contact, we both just burst into tears ... I hadn’t made eye contact in 20 years," Chapman said. "I feel fantastic. Vision comes back and ... it's a whole new world," he added.

Chapman’s father, Phil, expressed his joy as well, saying, "We always said to Brent that we would go anywhere, do anything to help him keep his vision, and here we are."

Now that he can see again, Chapman is looking forward to spending more time with his family and exploring the world around him.

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