Corneal tattooing (keratopigmentation) with new mineral micronised pigments to restore cosmetic appearance in severely impaired eyes.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate keratopigmentation (KTP) with new mineral micronised pigments as a surgical alternative to improve cosmetic appearance in severely impaired eyes.


METHODS
40 eyes underwent KTP alternatively to invasive cosmetic reconstructive surgery. Corneal staining with mineral micronised pigments was performed using an intralamellar or superficial technique.


RESULTS
One year postoperatively, all but two patients (95%) were satisfied. Pigmented eyes were improving patient's appearance. Eight cases needed a second KTP. Two patients with preoperative corneal oedema did not obtain an adequate cosmetic appearance due to progressive pigment clearance observed from 6 months postoperatively. Three eyes with traumatic aniridia observed good cosmetic outcome and a significant reduction in glare.


CONCLUSIONS
KTP achieves good cosmetic results and is associated with high patient satisfaction, avoiding extensive and mutilating reconstructive surgery.
Alio
Jorge L
JL
Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, VISSUM Corporación, Miguel Hernandez University, Alicante, Spain. jlalio@vissum.com
Sirerol
Belucha
B
Walewska-Szafran
Anna
A
Miranda
Mauricio
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015783:Aniridia / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000601:surgery*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013653:Tattooing / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D004396:Coloring Agents