14.09.2025 15:10
An extraordinary operation carried out in Canada has given Brent Chapman, who has been blind for 20 years, the chance to see again. Doctors implanted Chapman’s own tooth into his eye to secure the lens, thereby restoring his vision. Chapman stated, "It was very emotional to make eye contact after twenty years," while experts noted that this method represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of medicine.
An extraordinary operation performed in Vancouver, Canada, has given 34-year-old Brent Chapman hope for regaining his sight. Chapman lost his vision years ago due to the rare Stevens-Johnson syndrome and underwent more than 50 unsuccessful surgeries over 20 years.
ONE OF HIS TEETH WAS REMOVED AND PLACED IN HIS CHEEK
This time, doctors applied a groundbreaking method using Chapman’s own tooth. One of his back teeth was removed and placed in his cheek, where it served as a "nerve bridge" between his eye and brain. After waiting for the tissues to fuse, eye surgery was performed; Chapman’s natural lens was removed and replaced with a new lens.
The eye surgeon who performed the operation, Greg Moloney, explained that the dental tissue provided a strong structure that the body would not reject and established a living connection between the lens that focuses light and the brain. Moloney compared the lens replacement to "renewing a broken car window."
"IT WAS VERY EMOTIONAL TO ESTABLISH EYE CONTACT AFTER 20 YEARS"
Initially, after the surgery, Chapman could only detect hand movements, but his vision sharpened within a few months and reached a level of 20/30. However, according to doctors, there is a 50% chance he could go blind again within the next 30 years. Despite all the risks, Chapman says that reconnecting with his loved ones eye to eye is an indescribable joy: "It was very emotional to establish eye contact for the first time in twenty years. I am now living in a completely new world."