Restoring eyesight with a tooth

Osteo-Odonto Keratoprostheseis (OOKP) is a highly specialized and rare corenea surgery not currently available in North America. It has the ability to restore vision for patients who have severe corneal blindness.

The OOKP procedure is appropriate for a specific type of corneal blindness due to scarring and lack of lubrication typically caused by conditions such as autoimmune diseases or chemical burns. In these cases, traditional corneal transplants are ineffective. However, for patients with a healthy retina and optic nerve, OOKP surgery can restore full sight by implanting an optical device within a tooth to replace the scarred ocular surface.

The surgical procedure begins with the extraction of a tooth from the patient, which is then shaped, and a plastic lens is glued inside. The tooth is sewn into the patient's cheek for up to 3 months allowing tissue to grow around it before it is used as the carrier for the new lens. Surgeons also remove a flap of skin with a mucus membrane from inside the mouth which is sewn over the eye for 3 months until the second surgery.

During the second surgery, the flap of skin covering the eye is pulled back and the tooth with the lens is sewn onto the eye. The tissue that formed around the tooth while implanted in the cheek allows the tooth to be sewn onto the eye.

The flap, which aids in holding the tooth in place on the eye, is then resewn over the eye. Surgeons create a small hole in the flap of skin so the patient can see.

OOKP surgery has a proven track record with documented positive results dating back to 1973. However, it is an intricate procedure requiring multiple surgeons and support from a tertiary referral centre, which has discouraged many centres from offering the procedure.

Patients requiring this surgery have had to travel to international locations such as Singapore and Australia. They have had to navigate challenging, complicated health care systems and incur substantial personal costs. Once home, they have experienced a lack of local follow-up medical care for this specialized procedure.

Recognizing the need, St. Paul's Foundation and the Department of Ophthalmology at Providence Health Care are excited to partner together to establish an OOKP clinic.

To revolutionize healthcare and set an example for Canada and the entire world, St. Paul's Foundation is seeking to raise $430,000 to fund the first 3 years for this clinic. Funds will support start-up costs, including training for the local OR team and equipment, as well as annual operating expenses. After the initial 3 years, costs will be covered by Providence Health Care.

Please join us in transforming the lives of patients today and for generations to come!