title: Corneal tolerance to micronised mineral pigments for keratopigmentation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the tolerance and biocompatibility of micronised mineral pigments for corneal cosmetic pigmentation in an experimental animal model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Corneal intralamellar keratopigmentation was performed in 28 New Zealand white rabbits using micronised mineral pigments. Prophylactic actions using intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and gamma radiation of the pigment mixtures were performed to avoid infection. Animals were examined regularly by slit lamp to detect any sign of inflammation, pigment diffusion, colour changes or neovascularisation. Histopathological examination was performed to determine the level of pigment diffusion, the level of inflammation and the presence of neovascularisation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No pigment diffusion or changes in colour, inflammation or neovascularisation were detected in the eyes treated. Histopathological examination corroborated clinical results regarding inflammation. Pigmented corneas showed a good cosmetic appearance without signs of ocular toxicity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Micronised mineral pigments could be a valid alternative treatment for cosmetic keratopigmentation. The intralamellar keratopigmentation technique presented good cosmetic appearance without adverse effects in the eyes treated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: Maria A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Amesty
authors.affiliation: Vissum Corporación Oftalmológica, Alicante, Spain.
authors.forename: Jorge L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Alio
authors.affiliation: Vissum Corporación Oftalmológica, Alicante, Spain.
authors.forename: Alejandra E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000633:toxicity*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D005127:Eye Color; D008903:Minerals; D011817:Rabbits; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D013653:Tattooing / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; D008903:Minerals
keywords: Cornea; Cosmesis; Treatment Surgery