---
title: "What is Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis?"
description: "Osteo‑odonto‑keratoprosthesis (OOKP) is a highly specialised procedure that uses a patient's own tooth and surrounding bone to support an artificial corneal optic. It is reserved for end‑stage ocular surface disease where no other corneal surgery is viable. ## Procedure A…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/treatments-procedures/what-is-osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis/"
updated: "2025-12-12"
category: "Treatments & Procedures"
---

# What is Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis?

Osteo‑odonto‑keratoprosthesis (OOKP) is a highly specialised procedure that uses a patient's own tooth and surrounding bone to support an artificial corneal optic. It is reserved for end‑stage ocular surface disease where no other corneal surgery is viable.

## Procedure

A canine tooth block is harvested, sculpted, and combined with a PMMA optical cylinder, then implanted into the patient's cheek to vascularise. In a second stage, it is transplanted into the eye after removing diseased cornea and covering the device with oral mucosa.

- Indicated in severe chemical burns, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and similar conditions
- Requires good oral health and sufficient tooth-bone structure
- Surgery is complex, lengthy, and performed in very few centres worldwide
- Long‑term follow‑up is intensive and lifelong

## Results and Risks

OOKP can provide remarkable visual recovery, sometimes to reading vision, but carries substantial risks including glaucoma, retinal detachment, resorption of the tooth-bone lamina, and mucosal problems.

- Multiple revisions may be needed over the patient's lifetime
- Dedicated multidisciplinary teams manage ocular, dental, and systemic aspects
- Patients must commit to strict follow‑up and protective measures
- Given its complexity, OOKP is considered only after exhaustive evaluation of alternatives