The cornea provides most of the eye’s focusing power—about four-fifths of incoming light is bent here. Unlike most tissues, it is transparent and contains no blood vessels, serving as the eye’s “window.” It is also richly supplied with pain-sensitive nerves. Because of that, corneal issues typically cause eye pain, light sensitivity, and changes in tearing—either too little or too much.
A tooth implant in the cornea can help restore vision in cases where severe forms of corneal damage have resulted from a chemical burn, a fire or explosion, or an autoimmune reaction where the immune system attacks the eye.
Osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) is informally referred to as “tooth-in-eye surgery”. The tooth implant can provide an open window for light to pass through to the back of the eyes. It is a pivotal technique developed for the treatment of severe corneal blindness in patients unsuitable for traditional corneal transplantation. 1 This complex procedure has been around since the 1960’s.
A person’s tooth is a hard structure that can survive in this harsh environment, and the body understands it as part of itself, allowing it to grow into place.
How Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis is Performed
A tooth is extracted, usually a canine tooth. Then, basically, a small hole is drilled in the middle of the tooth that will allow the lens to be installed inside. It may take a couple of months for the eye to heal and for vision to sharpen.
A 2022 retrospective study in the American Journal of Ophthalmology followed 59 OOKP patients for as long as three decades. It reported 94% anatomical survival and meaningful vision gains for many, with some participants returning to their previous activities. 1
Corneal Blindness
More than 10 million people worldwide live with corneal blindness. Injuries and diseases of the cornea can permanently disrupt its normal structure and function, and many cases ultimately require a corneal transplant.
Corneal trauma and disease are highly implicated in contributing to corneal fibrosis, which can lead to significant vision impairment. Corneal blindness has been reported as second only to cataracts in the leading causes of blindness. 3
Causes of Corneal Damage
Common causes of corneal damage include corneal trauma, 4 corneal burns, 5 diabetic keratopathy, 6 keratoconus, 7 and Fuchs’ dystrophy. 8
The human cornea has five distinct layers: epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and endothelium. To maintain a healthy cornea and optimal vision, each layer must function properly.
The cornea can be afflicted by disease or injury in several ways, which include: trauma, exposure to acidic or alkali agents, Type 1 Diabetes, autoimmune Type 2 Diabetes, multifactorial disease, and genetics (Fuch’s Dystrophy).
Corneal Burns
The most common acid burns reported are caused by sulfuric acid from car batteries and bleaches, and hydrochloric acid from swimming pools. 9 10
The most common agents implicated in alkali burns include ammonium hydroxide (used in the production of fertilizer), sodium hydroxide (a cleaning agent), and calcium hydroxide (found in lime plaster and cement). 11
Aside from severe pain and discomfort, complications from burns include permanent scarring, dry eye, vascularization, chemosis of the conjunctiva, infection, visual impairment, and permanent vision loss. 12 13
After a corneal burn, the immune system can trigger scarring, which is a common long-term complication. In severe cases, this scarring may make a corneal transplant necessary. 14
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive condition where the cornea weakens and thins in the stromal layer. 15 As support is lost, the cornea protrudes outward, creating a cone-like shape. 16
Diabetic Keratopathy
Diabetic Keratopathy results from prolonged hyperglycemia that can cause severe morphological changes to the healthy corneal structure. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are toxic compounds deposited in the basement membrane of corneal epithelium that have been partially implicated in the development of DK. AGEs alter the structure and functions of ECM, basement membranes, and blood vessel walls. 17 18 19
Preventing Keratoconus
Make sure to wear protective goggles when doing any construction or homebuilding work. If working with acidic or alkali agents, wear splash protective eyewear, and have eye washing stations nearby. If you have diabetes, keep blood glucose levels under control through diet, exercise, and medication as recommended by your doctor.
Reducing Keratoconus Damage
If you have keratoconus, wear protective sunglasses when outside. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Keratoconus usually appears in adolescence, initially involving one eye, with the other eye involved later in about half of patients. 20 21
Fuchs’ Dystrophy
This corneal disease is believed to affect 4% of the American population over the age of 40. 22 Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy is a progressive hereditary disease that is characterized by dysfunction of the corneal endothelium. 23 There are two types: early-onset, which affects a person from early childhood and progresses into their 30s, and late-onset, which generally presents in the fourth or fifth decade. 24 Treatments can include specific eye drops, surgery, and laser treatments. In the future, we may have stem cell treatments for this eye disease.
Oxidative Stress
Some researchers consider oxidative stress to be the root of all (non-genetic driven) health conditions. With respect to vision, it is a factor in deterioration of the macula, 25 the cornea, 26 the photoreceptors, 27 retinal microcapillaries, 28 and the optic nerve. 29 Even for those prone to genetic diseases, free radicals can significantly worsen health conditions.
Some vitamins and vitamin-like biochemicals also act as antioxidants. These include vitamins A, C, E, CoQ10, glutathione, and alpha-lipoic acid for example. In addition to reducing oxidative stress, they have specific roles in protecting vision. For example, vitamin A helps to protect cornea transparency and is an essential component of rhodopsin, an eye protein needed for low-light vision. It helps to prevent night blindness and poor night vision and protects against a number of vision conditions.
Nutrients That Support the Cornea
Riboflavin
Researchers have been investigating novel ways of using riboflavin-based eye drops in conjunction with other therapies to treat conditions such as keratoconus 30 and keratitis. 31
Vitamin D
A large study found a connection between vitamin D deficiency and dry eye. 32 The cornea has receptors that respond to vitamin D, 33 and in people with dry eye, corneal nerve fibers were fewer, shorter, thinner, and covered less of the corneal surface. 34
Preliminary Research on Superoxide Dismutase
The cornea contains relatively high levels of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) that protects it from oxidative stress. In cases of keratoconus and bullous keratopathy, it was found that extracellular levels and activity of SOD3 were half that of healthy corneas, leading researchers to speculate that these cases may arise due to low enzyme levels. 35
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency could be affecting metabolic factors that influence genetic abnormalities, causing conditions like keratoconus, Thalasselis’ syndrome, type A behavior, and allergy. 36 The alterations in the molecular and cellular components of the cornea can be induced by magnesium deficiency, suggesting a possible connection. 37
Glutathione
A powerful antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) should ideally be taken intraorally (500mg–900mg – tablet or capsule form) or sublingually (follow lower dosage on label). Glutathione is not absorbed well through the digestive system. This super antioxidant neutralizes the full range of free radicals. 38 With age, GSH levels decline in human eyes. 39 This substance is typically abundant in the lens, cornea, aqueous humor, and retina. It helps keep eye tissues properly hydrated, maintains lens clarity, and protects against oxidative damage.
Bilberry 180mg–240mg per day
Bilberry is neuroprotective and has been shown to improve microcirculation. 40 41 42
Common Drugs That Can Negatively Affect the Cornea
The following drugs can have a negative affect on the cornea, so you should discuss this with your doctor if you suffer from corneal issues: antidepressants including Venlafaxine, antimalarial drugs including Chloroquinecan, Hydroxychloroquine, Plaquenil, birth control pills, some cancer drugs, certain heart disorder drugs including Amiodarone, beta-blockers, hormone replacements drugs such as estrogen or androgen, certain Parkinson’s drugs including Amantadine and levodopa.
This is only a partial list. More is detailed in our book “Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing.”
Popular Supplements and Eyedrops
Dr. Grossman’s Complete Eye Formula 2oz (oral spray)
Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps
Oclumed Eye Drops 10ml Bottle (2% NAC solution) – contains glutathione, vitamin C, taurine, n-acetyl-carnosine, ne-acetyl-cysteine, riboflavin.
Eyeganics Organic Eyedrops for Dry Eye Relief (.3 fl. oz)
Eyebright (Eyebrite) Drops (with MSM) 1oz
Dr. Grossman’s Advanced Eye and Dr. G’s Whole Food Superfood Multi1 20 Vcap Combo – 2 months supply
ACG Glutathione EXTRA STRENGTH Spray 2oz.
SOD Booster (Superoxide Dismutase) (L36139)
Vitamin D3 5,000 + K 60 softgels
Dr. Grossman’s Bilberry/Ginkgo Combination 2oz (60ml)
ReVision Formula (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz – based on classic Chinese medicine Liver tonic formula to help support healthy circulation and blood flow throughout the eyes and body.
Retinal Support (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz
Packages
Dr. Grossman’s Vision Wellness Package (2-month supply)
Recommended Books
Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing
Natural Parkinson’s Support (ebook): Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s
