when a bad reaction to a drug scarred her cornea. the clear covering of the eye. so bad even a cornea transplant wouldn t help. doctors gave her no hope. but c.i.a. kate believes in miracle. did she ever think it would involve a tooth? no. reporter: it s amazing a tooth, can help someone see. when the doctor heard of this at first he couldn t believe it either. i said, how can people do that that seems to be a very, you know, far-fetched idea. first doctor perez removed the scar tissue from thornton s left cornea because it was blocking her vision. then took her canine tooth and part of her jaw bone and whittled it down. this is the actual surgery. he then used a piece of her tooth and bone to hold in place a new lens that acts as her cornea. just hours after the surgery dr. perez removed her bandages and for the first time in nearly a decade she could see her best friend rick brister. he was the prettiest thing i believe i ve ever seen. reporter: the procedure