Canadian Surgeons Pioneer Tooth-in-Eye Surgery to Restore Sight
Table of Contents
- Canadian Surgeons Pioneer Tooth-in-Eye Surgery to Restore Sight
- A “Science Fiction-y” Solution for Vision Loss
- How Tooth-in-Eye Surgery Works
- A Two-Stage Surgical Process
- Potential Risks and High Success Rates
- Brent Chapman’s Journey and Hope for the Future
- A New Clinic and a ”Great Prospect” for Canadian Medicine
- Restoring sight: A Deep Dive into the Revolutionary “Tooth-in-Eye” Surgery
Published: [Current date]
In a groundbreaking medical advancement, Canadian surgeons are performing osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP), commonly known as tooth-in-eye surgery, for the first time in Canada. The innovative procedure, taking place at a B.C. hospital, offers hope to individuals with severe corneal blindness. Brent Chapman, 33, of North Vancouver, is among the first patients to undergo this life-changing surgery. The procedure involves using a patient’s own tooth to support a plastic lens implanted in the eye,potentially restoring sight where other treatments have failed.
A “Science Fiction-y” Solution for Vision Loss
Brent Chapman, who is blind in both eyes, initially felt “a little apprehensive” when his doctor suggested the tooth-in-eye surgery. However, his concerns were eased after speaking with a woman in Australia who had experienced remarkable success with the same procedure.
“She had been fully blind for 20 years, and is now snow skiing. I know it sounds a little crazy and science fiction-y.”
Chapman is one of three Canadians undergoing the OOKP procedure this week at a B.C. hospital.The surgery involves a multi-step process: a tooth, typically a canine, is extracted, fitted with a plastic optical lens, and then implanted into the patient’s eye.
How Tooth-in-Eye Surgery Works
The concept of using a tooth as part of an eye implant might seem unconventional, but it’s rooted in sound medical principles. Dr. greg Moloney, an ophthalmologist and surgeon at Mount Saint joseph Hospital in Vancouver, explains the rationale behind this unique approach.
The key lies in the properties of dentine, the substance that makes up teeth. According to dr.Moloney, dentine is the hardest substance produced by the human body, making it an ideal material to create a protective casing for the plastic lens. This casing is crucial for bridging the gap between the lens and the patient’s eye.
“There is no risk of rejection, as we’re using part of the patient’s own body.”
Dr. Moloney, who previously performed seven successful tooth-in-eye surgeries in Australia, is leading the Canadian initiative. He acknowledges that the procedure often elicits strong reactions.
The OOKP procedure is not a worldwide solution for all vision problems. It is specifically designed for individuals with severe corneal blindness caused by conjunctival scarring resulting from autoimmune diseases, chemical burns, or other traumas. To be eligible, patients must have healthy retinas and optic nerves.
A Two-Stage Surgical Process
The tooth-in-eye surgery is an intensive process that requires two separate surgeries, spaced several months apart. This means that Chapman and the other Canadian patients will need to return to the operating room later in the year.
During the first surgery, Dr. Moloney and his team extract the patient’s tooth, shape it into a rectangle, and drill a small hole to accommodate the lens. They then remove scar tissue from the patient’s eye and replace it with a small flap of tissue taken from inside the cheek.
the tooth-encased lens is implanted inside the cheek, allowing new tissue to grow around it. After several months, a second surgery is performed to remove the tooth from the cheek and sew it into the front of the eye, beneath the cheek tissue.The result is an eye with a pink hue and a small black circle, through which the patient can see.
Due to the intensity of the surgery, it is indeed typically performed on only one eye.
Potential Risks and High Success Rates
While the OOKP procedure offers notable potential benefits, it is not without risks. Dr. Moloney emphasizes the importance of understanding these risks before proceeding.
“With any ocular surgery of any kind, there’s a chance that we coudl introduce infection and lose all our vision.”
however, Dr. Moloney also points out that the surgery has been performed for decades in various countries, including the U.K. and Australia, with a high success rate. A 2022 study conducted in Italy found that, on average, 27 years after the surgery, 94% of patients could still see.
“The risk-reward ratio for these patients,when they have no vision at all,is well worth it,we think.”
Brent Chapman’s Journey and Hope for the Future
brent Chapman’s vision loss began at the age of 13 after taking ibuprofen, which triggered a rare autoimmune reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This resulted in a 27-day coma and severe burns, including damage to his eyes. Over the past 20 years, Chapman has undergone approximately 50 surgeries, including 10 corneal implants, with varying degrees of success.
Chapman is optimistic that the OOKP surgeries at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital will provide a lasting solution.
“When I get it back, you know, it would be sort of this great rush. Then I’d lose it again and it would be heartbreaking, and I sort of sank into this depression.”
He envisions a future where he can once again enjoy activities like playing basketball and traveling the world.
A New Clinic and a ”Great Prospect” for Canadian Medicine
Dr. Moloney’s long-term goal is to establish Canada’s first OOKP clinic at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital. The St. Paul’s Foundation has raised $430,000 to launch and support the clinic for three years, after which Providence Health Care will incorporate it into its annual budget.
Dr. Samir Jabbour, an ophthalmologist at the Center hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, who is not involved in the B.C. surgeries,views the new clinic as a significant advancement for Canadian medicine.
According to Dr. Jabbour, while the need for this complex surgery is rare, it eliminates the burden of traveling abroad for patients who require it.
“The fact that we have it now in Canada definitely makes it much easier for patient care.”
Chapman expresses his gratitude to Dr. Moloney and everyone involved in making this groundbreaking surgery available in Canada.
“Hopefully, this’ll break some ground.If there’s other people in Canada that maybe need this and it becomes, you know, an established thing hear, I’d feel really great about that.”
Restoring sight: A Deep Dive into the Revolutionary “Tooth-in-Eye” Surgery
Is it really possible to restore sight using a patient’s own tooth? The answer, surprisingly, is yes. This groundbreaking procedure,osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP),offers new hope for individuals suffering from severe corneal blindness. Let’s explore this innovative surgical technique with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading ophthalmologist specializing in corneal transplantation and reconstructive surgery.
World-Today-News.com senior Editor: Dr. Sharma, the recent news about Canadian surgeons pioneering “tooth-in-eye” surgery has captured global attention. Can you explain the procedure in simple terms for our readers?
dr. Sharma: Absolutely.Osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, or OOKP, is a complex, yet remarkably effective surgical method utilized for severe cases of corneal blindness. Essentially,it involves using a patient’s own tooth – typically a canine,due to its strong root structure – to support a biocompatible,artificial corneal implant. The tooth acts as a sturdy, natural anchor for the implant, promoting integration and minimizing the risk of rejection.The procedure involves carefully extracting the tooth, shaping it, and precisely positioning the implant, which helps to restore the cornea’s clarity and thus the patient’s vision.
world-Today-news.com Senior Editor: What makes a patient’s own tooth so suitable for this kind of procedure? Why not use other biocompatible materials?
Dr. Sharma: That’s an excellent question. The key lies in the remarkable properties of dentin, the material comprising the bulk of a tooth. Dentin is exceptionally strong and biocompatible, making it one of the hardest substances produced by the human body. This inherently reduces the risk of rejection, making it a superior choice to artificial materials which might trigger an immune response. In addition, the tooth’s natural structure provides an ideal framework for securing the prosthetic lens, ensuring long-term stability. While synthetic materials are constantly being improved,the inherent advantages of using autologous (from the patient’s own body) material remain significant.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: The procedure seems quite intricate. Can you walk us through the key stages involved?
Dr. Sharma: The OOKP procedure is indeed multi-staged and intensive. It typically involves two surgical phases, separated by a period of several months.
Stage 1: A tooth is extracted, meticulously shaped, and a small hole is carefully drilled to accommodate the artificial lens implant. together, unhealthy scar tissue on the affected eye is removed and replaced by a small tissue flap taken from the patient’s cheek. The tooth and the lens are then implanted in the patient’s cheek,allowing the body to form new tissue and integrate the tooth.
Stage 2: After adequate healing occurs, the tooth-lens composite is surgically moved from the cheek to replace the deficient portion of the eye. This allows for the improved passage of light and the restoration of optimal vision.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: What are the potential benefits and risks associated with OOKP? Are there specific patient profiles ideally suited for this procedure?
Dr. Sharma: The most significant benefit of OOKP is the potential for restoring functional vision in patients with severe corneal blindness where other treatments have failed. This significantly improves the quality of life for individuals who have experienced corneal damage due to conditions such as stevens-Johnson syndrome, chemical burns, or severe trauma related to significant scarring. The procedure is primarily effective for patients with damage to their cornea only; healthy retinas and optic nerves are prerequisites.
However, like any surgical procedure, risks exist. These include infection, inflammation, and, though rare, potential limitations in visual acuity. A detailed analysis of benefits and risks is always conducted with the patient to ensure that the procedure aligns with their health profile and expectations.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Looking ahead, what are the potential implications of OOKP for ophthalmology and the treatment of corneal blindness worldwide?
Dr. Sharma: This innovative technique represents a major leap forward in complex corneal transplantation. Its ability to address severe cases of corneal blindness offers significant hope. The growing availability of the OOKP method, coupled with ongoing research and refinements in surgical techniques, will further enhance patient outcomes.We anticipate increased accessibility to this life-altering procedure, benefiting many patients who suffer from vision loss that would otherwise be untreatable.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers about this revolutionary approach?
Dr. Sharma: While still a relatively specialized procedure,OOKP represents a remarkable example of how innovative surgical techniques can improve the lives of those suffering from visual impairment. We’re seeing a growing global interest in this procedure, and ongoing research continues to refine its effectiveness. It’s incredibly encouraging to witness advancements such as this offering hope and improving access to sight-restoring treatments.
What are your thoughts on this revolutionary advancement in ophthalmological surgery? Share your comments below, and let’s discuss the future of vision restoration together!