There are times when people lose their eyesight completely due to damage or disease. Some of these people try every available treatment but still cannot see. Regular surgeries like corneal transplants do not work for them. For such patients, a special and rare treatment called osteo odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) offers new hope. It is a life-changing procedure that helps restore vision in people who had lost it for good.
In this blog, you will understand what OOKP is, how it works, who needs it, and why it is used only in very special cases. If you or someone you know is dealing with complete blindness and has run out of options, this blog will help you learn about one more possibility.
What is Osteo Odonto Keratoprosthesis (OOKP)?
Osteo odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) is a type of artificial eye surgery. It is unlike any other eye treatment. In this surgery, doctors use the patient’s own tooth and a small part of their jawbone to create a support system. A plastic lens is placed inside that tooth. Later, this whole unit is placed in the eye to help the person see again.
The word “osteo” means bone. “Odonto” means tooth. “Keratoprosthesis” means an artificial cornea. So the name itself tells us that this surgery uses a tooth and bone to support a new cornea or lens. It is a smart and creative solution for people who have lost all other chances to get their vision back.
Why is it Done Only in Special Cases?
This surgery is not for everyone. It is only used when nothing else works. There are people who suffer from severe eye damage due to chemical burns, injuries, or certain diseases like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. In these cases, the surface of the eye becomes so badly damaged that even regular corneal transplant surgery fails.
For them, osteo odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) becomes the only option. It is used as a last step after all other methods have failed. It gives people a second chance to see, even when doctors had almost given up.
Who Can Get This Surgery?
Not every blind person is fit for this procedure. It is only done in very specific situations. Here are the conditions in which doctors may suggest OOKP:
- When the front part of the eye is severely damaged
- When the tear glands are not working and the eye is extremely dry
- When the patient has already tried and failed multiple corneal transplants
- In cases of damage due to acid attacks or major injuries
- In long-term inflammatory diseases like Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- When the person still has a working retina (the inner part of the eye that senses light)
If a person has these problems and no other treatment is helping, doctors may consider this surgery.
Steps of the Procedure
Osteo odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) is a long process. It is done in two main stages and takes a few months to complete.
Stage One
- The doctor removes a healthy tooth from the patient
- A small piece of jawbone attached to the tooth is also taken
- A tiny hole is made in the tooth to fit a plastic lens
- The tooth-lens unit is stored under the patient’s skin in the cheek for two to three months
- This helps the unit grow blood vessels and become stronger
Stage Two
- The damaged front part of the eye is removed
- The tooth-lens unit is taken from the cheek and placed in the eye
- The eye is covered with a thin layer of skin from the inner part of the mouth
- Over time, the eye accepts the new lens and starts seeing again
This is a very careful and delicate surgery. It needs skill, patience, and the right medical team.
Why is the Tooth Used?
It may sound strange to use a tooth for an eye surgery. But it actually makes perfect sense. The tooth is part of the patient’s own body. So the body does not reject it. It becomes a strong and natural support for the plastic lens.
The tooth and jawbone hold the lens steady and keep it safe inside the eye. Since it is the person’s own tissue, it blends well with the eye and causes fewer problems later.
That is why osteo odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) uses this method. It has shown very good results, especially in cases where nothing else worked.
What Can the Patient See After OOKP?
After the surgery, the patient usually regains basic vision. They can see people, objects, and light. Some may even read large letters or recognise faces. It is not perfect vision but it is a big improvement from total blindness.
The results can be life-changing. Many people can walk on their own, do daily tasks, and live more independently. They feel more confident and happier after getting their vision back.
What are the Risks Involved?
No surgery is without risk, and the same goes for osteo odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP). Since this is a complex and rare surgery, there are some possible problems:
- Infections inside the eye
- The lens may become cloudy over time
- Tooth or bone may wear out or get damaged
- Healing may take longer than expected
- Patients need regular check-ups for life
Because of these risks, doctors suggest OOKP only when there is no other way to save vision.
Why OOKP is Still a Good Option
Even with the risks, the results are often worth it. For patients who have been blind for years and have no hope left, osteo odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) gives them something no other treatment can: a chance to see again.
It is not a quick fix. It is not cheap either. But it offers something very rare — hope. For many people, that is enough to go through this difficult process.
Real Stories Inspire Others
Many people around the world have had this surgery and changed their lives. For example, a man who lost his vision in a factory fire got back to work after OOKP. A woman who lost her eyesight to a disease saw her child for the first time in five years.
These are real people. Their stories show how powerful this surgery can be. It brings light to lives that were once filled with darkness.
What to Do If You Want to Know More
If you or someone in your family is dealing with complete vision loss and no treatment has helped, it is time to ask about this surgery. Visit an eye specialist doctor who has experience in handling advanced eye conditions. They can guide you and tell you if this is the right option.
Make sure to get a full check-up. Discuss the risks and the process in detail. If you are a good fit for the surgery, you may be able to get your vision back.
Osteo odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) is one of the most unique surgeries in the world of eye care. It uses a person’s own tooth and a plastic lens to bring back sight when all other treatments have failed. It is not done everywhere and it takes time to heal. But for people who have lost all hope, this procedure gives them a real chance to see the world again.
If you are looking for expert advice and advanced eye treatment, Viaan Eye and Retina Centre offers care from experienced surgeons who understand how to handle rare and complex cases like OOKP. You deserve the best care when it comes to your vision.