“A Tooth for an Eye” –

The osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP), although described over 40 years ago, remains the keratoprosthesis of choice for end-stage corneal blindness not amenable to penetrating keratoplasty. Patients with bilateral corneal blindness resulting from severe end-stage Stevens Johnson syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, chemical burns, trachoma, dry eyes or multiple corneal graft failure may be considered for OOKP surgery. Oral physicians, oral surgeons and corneal surgeons work as a team for making this surgery successful. This article provides an uptake on this useful procedure. The desirable properties of the theoretical ideal keratoprosthesis are described. The indications, contraindications, and patient assessment (eye, tooth, buccal mucosa) for OOKP surgery are described. The surgical and anaesthetic techniques are described.