Corneal tattooing: an alternative treatment for disfiguring corneal scars

Br J Ophthalmol. 2002 Apr;86(4):397-9. doi: 10.1136/bjo.86.4.397.

Abstract

Background: The performance and results of corneal tattooing are described in a case series of 11 patients suffering from a disfiguring corneal scar using a technique similar to conventional dermatography.

Methods: Drawing ink in different shades was applied into the anterior corneal stroma by punctures performed with a conventional spatula needle.

Results: Up to 4 years after surgery all patients still had satisfactory staining of the formerly cosmetically disfiguring corneal scar.

Conclusion: Tattooing of unsightly corneal scars proved to be an efficient and easy to perform technique, yielding acceptable results during follow up.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cicatrix / therapy*
  • Corneal Diseases / therapy*
  • Corneal Injuries*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Ink
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Tattooing / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome