title: Corneal tattooing (keratopigmentation) with new mineral micronised pigments to restore cosmetic appearance in severely impaired eyes.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, VISSUM Corporación, Miguel Hernandez University, Alicante, Spain. jlalio@vissum.com
authors.forename: Jorge L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Alio
authors.forename: Belucha
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sirerol
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Walewska-Szafran
authors.forename: Mauricio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miranda
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents