Corneal tattooing to mask subsequent opacification after amniotic membrane grafting for stromal corneal ulcer.

PURPOSE: 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.

CONCLUSION

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.