Aim: To assess the safety and cosmetic efficacy of a new multiple noncontinuous transepithelial puncture technique for tattooing a decompensated cornea.
Methods: It was a non-comparative clinical case series study. The study examines 33 eyes in 33 patients with total corneal opacity due to corneal decompensation, which developed following intraocular surgery. Corneal tattooing was performed using the multiple noncontinuous transepithelial puncture technique (i.e. pointage). The safety of this new surgical strategy was assessed by occurrence of adverse events for the follow-up period. The cosmetic efficacy was determined by the patient's cosmetic satisfaction and independent observer's opinion about patient appearance.
Results: Seven women and 26 men were included in the study. The mean age was 46.4±17.5y (range: 7-67). In total, 30 of 33 patients (91%) reported cosmetic satisfaction within the follow-up period. Only 3 patients (9%) required additional tattooing due to cosmetic unsatisfaction. Cosmetic outcomes were analyzed and classified as excellent or good in 13 (39%) and 17 (52%) patients, respectively. No serious adverse events developed, except delayed epithelial healing in 3 cases.
Conclusion: The cosmetic outcomes of the multiple noncontinuous transepithelial puncture technique for corneal tattooing were good. The safety of this method is higher than conventional procedures. This new procedure also provides improved cost-effectiveness and safety over current corneal tattooing techniques.
Keywords: corneal decompensation; corneal tattooing; total corneal opacity.