Creating a new eye implant to replace damaged corneas
Official title: Synthetic osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP, Tooth-in-Eye surgery)
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-11013247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $208,977 |
| NIH project number | 3R21EY035480-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy corneas or those who do not have severe corneal damage may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tayebi, Lobat — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Tayebi, Lobat
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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.