Creating a new eye implant to replace damaged corneas
Synthetic osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP, Tooth-in-Eye surgery)
This study is working on a new, easier way to help people with severely damaged corneas see again by creating a synthetic eye implant that doesn't require using a tooth, making the surgery simpler and less invasive for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11013247 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a synthetic version of the osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP), a surgical procedure that helps restore vision in patients with severely damaged corneas. The traditional OOKP involves using a patient's tooth and surrounding tissue, which can be invasive and time-consuming. The new approach aims to simplify the surgery by creating a synthetic prosthesis that eliminates the need for harvesting teeth, making the procedure less aggressive and more accessible for patients. The research will involve designing and testing this new keratoprosthesis to ensure it effectively supports vision restoration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with severely damaged corneas due to conditions like Stevens–Johnson syndrome, chemical burns, or multiple corneal graft failures.
Not a fit: Patients with healthy corneas or those who do not have severe corneal damage may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a less invasive and more efficient option for patients suffering from severe corneal damage.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of OOKP has been established, this synthetic approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Marquette University — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tayebi, Lobat — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Tayebi, Lobat
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.