A guy who is able to see again after two decades has spoken out about his experience with a ‘miracle’ dental procedure.

Brent Chapman had ‘tooth-in-eye’ surgery, also known as ‘osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis,’ earlier this year in Canada, becoming one of just three people to do so.

The procedure, which was created in the 1960s, begins with taking a tooth from the patient’s mouth and implanting it into their cheek, where it will be covered by strong connective tissue over the course of a few months.

The tooth is then extracted, and a lens is gently put within. The connective tissue is then employed to secure it in place while the tooth and lens are sewn into the patient’s eye socket.

“We need a structure that is strong enough to support the plastic focusing telescope but will not be rejected by the body,” said Dr. Greg Moloney of Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver.

Chapman had excellent vision until the age of 13, when a response to ibuprofen during a school basketball game caused an uncommon autoimmune reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

The Mayo Clinic defines Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) as “a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes” that is often triggered by a drug response.

It frequently begins with flu-like symptoms and progresses to a painful rash that spreads and blisters. Following that, the top layer of afflicted skin dies, sheds, and begins to mend after a few days.

After developing the condition, Chapman experienced burns all over his body, including his eyes, and his vision never returned. \

After 50 failed attempts, Chapman’s ‘tooth-in-eye’ surgery was successful.

“I feel great. Vision returns, and it’s a whole new world,” he told ABC7. Chapman went on to tell CBS Chicago how he burst into tears the first time he saw the surgeon who performed the procedure.

“When Dr. Moloney and I established eye contact, both of us fell into tears… “I hadn’t really made eye contact in 20 years,” he explained.

“I feel great.” Vision returns, and… it’s a whole new world,” Chapman explained to ABC 7. His father, Phil Chapman, said, “We always said to Brent that we would go anywhere, do anything to keep his vision, and here we are.”

Chapman is now looking forward to spending more time with family and exploring the world.