Corneal tattooing to mask subsequent opacification after amniotic membrane grafting for stromal corneal ulcer.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to report on the cosmetic efficacy of corneal tattooing using India ink for resolving corneal opacities resulting from amniotic membrane grafting carried out to promote corneal wound healing in stromal corneal ulcers.


METHODS
Amniotic membrane grafting of corneal ulcers was carried out in three patients. After corneal re-epithelialization, a 30-gauge needle filled with India ink was placed into the amniotic membrane space located between the regenerated corneal epithelium and the stromal bed. The ink was then carefully injected.


RESULTS
The cornea was successfully stained with India ink in all cases. There were no significant complications during the mean follow-up period of 17 months. All the patients were satisfied with the corneal staining.


CONCLUSIONS
When a corneal opacity occurs after an amniotic membrane graft for stromal corneal ulcer, corneal tattooing by intrastromal injection of India ink into the amniotic membrane space may be a very useful method of achieving a good cosmetic result.
Lee
Ji-Eun
JE
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Pusan, Korea.
Jun
Jong Bae
JB
Choi
Hee Young
HY
Oum
Boo Sup
BS
Lee
Jong Soo
JS
D000650:Amnion / Q000637:transplantation*; D002244:Carbon / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000601:surgery*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007281:Ink; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013653:Tattooing / Q000379:methods*
D004396:Coloring Agents; C028433:chinese ink; D002244:Carbon