Eye, Tooth, and Nail: The Evolution of a Phrase and a Groundbreaking Medical Marvel

Dated: March 6, 2025
By InvestorHire

The phrase "eye, tooth, and nail" might sound like an exaggerated battle cry, but its origins and modern implications are as fascinating as they are unexpected. Traditionally, "tooth and nail" has been a phrase signifying fierce struggle—fighting with everything one has. Adding "eye" to the mix might seem strange, but recent medical breakthroughs have given this phrase a whole new meaning.

The Origins of "Tooth and Nail"

The phrase "tooth and nail" can be traced back to the 16th century, with its earliest recorded usage appearing in Thomas More's 1529 book The Supplycacion of Soulys. The phrase describes a desperate and determined fight, using every available means. Over time, it became part of common English vernacular to emphasize extreme effort and tenacity.

A Revolutionary Medical Discovery: Tooth-In-Eye Surgery

For the first time in Canada, surgeons at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver have successfully carried out the first stage of an extraordinary procedure—implanting a tooth into the eye to restore vision. Known as osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP), or "tooth-in-eye" surgery, this groundbreaking operation offers hope to those suffering from severe corneal blindness, a condition that traditional corneal transplants cannot always remedy.

Corneal blindness occurs when the clear outer layer at the front of the eye becomes scarred, preventing light from passing through. Tooth-in-eye surgery changes that with an innovative two-stage process that quite literally fights blindness—eye, tooth, and nail.

The First Stage: Crafting the Implant

The first part of the surgery involves two major steps. First, the patient’s cornea and any scar tissue are removed and replaced with tissue taken from their cheek. Then, a remarkable transformation takes place—one of the patient's teeth is extracted, shaved into a rectangular shape, and a hole is drilled to hold a tiny plastic optical lens. The crafted tooth is then embedded into the patient’s cheek for approximately three months, allowing it to develop a new blood supply and tissue growth.

The Second Stage: Bringing Sight Back

Once the implant has integrated with the patient's body, it is removed from the cheek and placed into the eye, where the plastic lens allows light to enter. This procedure has been likened to replacing a frosted windshield with a brand-new pane of clear glass. Unlike traditional corneal transplants, which rely on donor tissue and run the risk of rejection, OOKP makes use of the patient's own biological material, significantly increasing the chances of long-term success.

Meet Brent Chapman: A Pioneer in Canada

Brent Chapman, a 33-year-old from North Vancouver, is among the first Canadians to undergo this revolutionary procedure. Initially skeptical, he was encouraged by success stories from patients in Australia, where the surgery has been performed with promising results. "It might sound a bit gross to put someone’s tooth in their eye, but it actually makes a lot of sense," Chapman stated. "Both the strength of the tooth’s dentine and the fact that it’s my own body’s material increase the chances that the implant will last."

Another patient, Gail Chapman, expressed hope and excitement at the possibility of regaining her sight. "I haven’t seen myself for 10 years," she told the Vancouver Sun. "If I’m fortunate enough to get some sight back, there will be wonderful things to see."

The History and Future of Tooth-In-Eye Surgery

While this is a first for Canada, tooth-in-eye surgery has a history dating back to the 1960s. Italian ophthalmologist Professor Benedetto Strampelli pioneered the procedure, which has since been refined into a complex but highly effective surgery. OOKP is primarily performed on patients whose corneas are too damaged for traditional transplants, such as those suffering from autoimmune diseases, chemical burns, or severe trauma.

Though still rare, advancements in the procedure and the recent success in Canada may help expand its availability. Many patients who have undergone the surgery experience vision improvements that allow them to recognize faces, read, and even drive.

Eye, Tooth, and Nail: A New Definition of Resilience

In both language and medicine, the combination of "eye, tooth, and nail" takes on a powerful new meaning. Just as history has used the phrase to symbolize perseverance, this groundbreaking medical advancement exemplifies humanity’s relentless drive to restore sight and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Thanks to the dedicated work of Canadian surgeons, a procedure once thought impossible is now giving patients a second chance at seeing the world.

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