A blind woman has had her sight restored after ten long years, and it’s all thanks to what some are calling a “miracle” operation.
Gail Lane, 75, from Victoria, British Columbia, became the first Canadian ever to regain her vision using the unconventional ‘tooth-in-eye’ surgery—official medical term: osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (try saying that five times fast!). She lost her sight a decade ago due to complications from an autoimmune disorder that scarred her corneas.
This complex procedure was performed on three Canadian patients back in February.
“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,” Lane told CBC News.
It’s been six months since the operation, and while Gail admits she’s not seeing the world exactly as before, the process is gradual—and incredibly uplifting.
“I’m starting to see facial features on other people as well, which is also pretty exciting,” she explained.
She’s optimistic about what the future holds: “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 reflects on the journey with emotion: “It’s been a long, it’s been a long wait, but well, well worth it.”
Gail’s joy runs deeper than nature’s beauty—she’s seeing faces again for the first time, including those of loved ones she’s never actually seen before. That includes her partner and their dog, Piper, a black Labrador she’s grown close to only after losing her sight.
The moment she first glimpsed her dog—specifically its tail wagging—was nothing short of magical. Soon after the intricate two-part surgery, she even reported seeing light for the first time.
“I had never seen Piper before the surgery,” but that all changed quickly, and she’ll soon be fitted with glasses.
“I hope to be able to see my own face again for the first time this year,” Gail shared.
Image: Gail Lane had never seen her dog Piper prior to the surgery (YouTube/Global News)
The mastermind who led this daring operation is Dr. Greg Moloney, from Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver. He adapted the procedure from similar cases worldwide.
How Does ‘Tooth-in-Eye’ Surgery Work?
Dr. Moloney breaks down the unconventional process:
“It’s a complex and strange operation, but it basically involves replacing the cornea.”
Here’s how it all comes together:
- A tooth is extracted from the patient’s mouth.
- That tooth is implanted into their cheek and gradually wrapped by connective tissue over a few months.
- Next, the tooth is removed from the cheek, and a lens is embedded into it.
- Finally, both the tooth and the lens are stitched into the eye socket, using the tissue to secure it.
“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,” explains Dr. Moloney.
What a wild, heartwarming journey this has been—from darkness to seeing color, faces, and love. Gail’s story isn’t just a medical marvel—it’s a reminder of how courage and creativity can bring light back into someone’s life, one detail at a time.