Sharron “Kay” Thornton, a 60 year old from Mississippi, lost her eyesight nine years ago as a result of a skin condition known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), according to Fox News.
With hope, Thornton allowed surgeons to implant her tooth inside her eye. This holds a prosthetic lens in place, according to Fox News from a news release. The procedure is called modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, or MOOKP. Thornton had this procedure performed at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Apparently, this is the first time a patient has had the procedure done in the U.S.
SJS is a rare and life threatening disease usually caused from a drug reaction and affects about one in a million people each year.
Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include: Hives; Blisters; Shedding of your skin; Swelling on your face; Red or purple skin rash; Swelling of your tongue; and Skin pain. Because the syndrome results in painful rashes and blisters, they are treated similar to how burns are treated.
In Thornton’s case, SJS lead to the destruction of the cells on her eye’s surface and led to the scarring of her cornea. After the procedure was performed, Thornton said, “This is truly a miracle.” She can now see again. Right now, her is reading newsprint with a visual acuity of 20/70, but as the scars heal, her sight will improve.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can result in anxiety, serious pain and suffering. If you or anyone you know has Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, you may want to contact the attorneys at Childers & Schlueter, LLP to see how they can help protect your legal rights.