Posters

A new technique for corneal tattooing via intrastromal injection of liquid ink

Poster Details

First Author: N.Elfarouk EGYPT

Co Author(s):    H. Elrashedy   M. Zaatar                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To improve cosmetic appearance in severely impaired eyes with corneal opacities for patient's satisfaction and rehabilitation using a safer and more effective technique.

Setting:

Memorial Institute of Ophthalmic Research (MIOR), Egypt.

Methods:

Twenty patients with unilateral non-seeing eyes showing no perception of light (no PL) with corneal opacities of different densities were admitted for corneal tattooing, preoperative pachymetery was done for each using ultrasound pachymetery. Intrastromal injection of sterilized liquid ink was done in the anterior corneal stroma using a 29 guage syringe under topical anesthesia and complete sterile conditions. Procedure was done either in a single session or two sessions according to the density and size of the opacity. Postoperative patient's own satisfaction was our scale unit, and patients were followed up monthly for one year.

Results:

We conducted our study on twenty eyes out of them only four developed postoperative allergic reaction that was easily treated with Prednisolone Acetate eye drops and one patient showed postoperative ocular pain for two weeks with normal IOP that was relieved by painkillers (Diclofenac Potassium). Monthly postoperative follow up showed no changes in colour or size of the tattooed corneas and patients were satisfied with their results.

Conclusions:

Intrastromal injection is a safe and effective technique for corneal tattooing as it can be done for opacities reaching the limbus and we can alter the depth of injection in each point in the cornea respecting the corneal pachymetery unlike the flap construction techniques either manual or femto-assisted. In addition it is technically more rapid, easier and shows better homogeneous outcome in comparison to the puncture technique that uses a needle tip for puncture not injection.

Financial Disclosure:

None