Therapeutic corneal tattooing, also known as keratopigmentation, is a procedure where pigment is applied to the cornea to address various medical conditions. This procedure can be used for both functional and cosmetic reasons. Here is a detailed overview:
At Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital we have been doing corneal tattooin for ove 8 years with high patient satisfaction.
Indications for Therapeutic Corneal Tattooing:
- **Cosmetic Rehabilitation:**
– **Corneal Scars:** To mask unsightly corneal scars resulting from trauma, surgery, or infections.
– **Leukomas:** To conceal white opacities on the cornea.
- **Functional Rehabilitation:**
– **Aniridia:** Absence of the iris which causes light sensitivity and glare. Tattooing can simulate the appearance of an iris.
– **Iris Coloboma:** A congenital defect where a part of the iris is missing. Tattooing helps in reducing light sensitivity.
– **Iridodialysis:** Dislocation or tear of the iris, where tattooing can help in improving cosmetic appearance and reducing photophobia.
### Procedure
- **Preoperative Evaluation:**
– Detailed ophthalmic examination.
– Assessment of the extent and depth of corneal opacity.
– Discussion of patient expectations and desired outcomes.
- **Technique:**
– **Manual Tattooing:** Pigment is manually applied to the cornea using fine needles.
– **Laser-Assisted Tattooing:** Lasers can be used to introduce pigment into the cornea with high precision.
– **Micro-pigmentation:** Similar to tattooing in other parts of the body, involves injecting pigment into the corneal stroma.
- **Anesthesia:**
– Typically performed under topical anesthesia. In some cases, local anesthesia might be used.
### Benefits
– **Aesthetic Improvement:** Enhances the cosmetic appearance of the eye.
– **Reduction of Glare:** By mimicking the appearance of the iris, it helps in reducing light sensitivity and glare.
– **Psychological Impact:** Improves the psychological well-being of patients by restoring a more natural appearance to the eye.
### Risks and Complications are very rare:
– **Infection:** As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection.
– **Inflammation:** The cornea may become inflamed after the procedure.
– **Pigment Migration:** Over time, the pigment may move or fade.
– **Visual Disturbances:** There is a potential risk of visual impairment, particularly if the pigment interferes with the visual axis.
### Postoperative Care
– **Medication:** Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are typically prescribed to prevent infection and control inflammation.
– **Follow-up Visits:** Regular follow-up visits to monitor healing and the stability of the pigment.
### Outcomes
– The results of corneal tattooing can vary depending on the technique used and the individual patient’s condition.
– Many patients achieve satisfactory cosmetic results and significant improvement in symptoms like photophobia and glare.
### Innovations and Future Directions
– Advances in laser technology and pigment formulations are continuously improving the precision, safety, and outcomes of therapeutic corneal tattooing.
– Research into biocompatible pigments and minimally invasive techniques holds promise for the future of this therapeutic modality.
Therapeutic corneal tattooing can be a valuable option for patients with specific ocular conditions, offering both functional and cosmetic benefits. However, it is crucial to have a thorough consultation with an experienced ophthalmic surgeon to understand the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.
