Osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis in Egypt: a case series

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary results of osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (OOKP) performed in Alexandria Main University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt in eyes with end-stage cicatrizing conjunctivitis.Patients and methods OOKP surgery was done in two stages. Stage 1 included preparation of the globe, buccal mucous membrane harvesting, and preparation of osteo-odonto alveolar lamina with the cemented optical cylinder. The prepared lamina was then placed in the submuscular space for 2–3 months. In stage 2, the lamina–optical cylinder complex was implanted under the buccal mucous membrane and the posterior part of the optical cylinder was placed in a central corneal opening to act as an artificial cornea, transmitting image to the retina.Results Six eyes with end-stage ocular surface disease were included in this study. Anatomical success, in the form of retention of the prosthesis, was achieved in five eyes. The procedure failed in one eye due to unhealthy canines with a small amount of bone in the lamina. Functional success, defined as restoration of vision, was achieved in four eyes. Visual improvement was not attained in one eye (in addition to the eye with anatomical failure) due to optic atrophy despite good retention of the device.Conclusion OOKP is a promising procedure to regain vision in severe cases of end-stage corneal blindness, unsuitable for cadaveric corneal grafts. Proper selection of cases is crucial to achieve the best anatomical and functional results.