Corneal tattooing masks opacification following amniotic membrane graft

Intrastromal injections of India ink can effectively cosmetically conceal corneal opacities, according to a study by Korean researchers.

Jong Soo Lee, MD, and colleagues at the Pusan National University, Korea, reported their results with the technique in three patients who had undergone amniotic membrane grafts to promote healing of corneal ulcers. After corneal re-epithelialization, the surgeons injected India ink between the regenerated corneal epithelium and stromal bed.

All three patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result of the corneal stain. No complications were reported during a mean 17-week follow-up period, according to the study.

The study is published in the October issue of Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica.