Eye-tattooing: Experts Warn About Risks of Colour-Changing Surgery #EyeTattooing #VisionHealth

The Rise of Eye-Tattooing
From viral dances to butter boards, social media has given birth to numerous trends, but the latest one has experts worried: eye-tattooing.

What is Keratopigmentation?
Keratopigmentation, also known as eye-tattooing, is a procedure that involves injecting pigments into the cornea to change the eye color. Originally developed for therapeutic purposes, it is now being used for purely cosmetic reasons.

The Procedure
The process involves making a small cut in the cornea using a laser or needle, creating a pocket where pigments are injected. This masks the natural color of the iris, resulting in an apparent color change.

Expert Concerns
Experts, including Alex Day, a consultant eye surgeon, warn that the procedure can lead to severe complications such as vision loss and blindness. These concerns are heightened by the fact that the procedure is not available for cosmetic reasons in the UK, leading people to seek it abroad.

Risks and Complications
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has issued warnings about keratopigmentation, highlighting risks such as light sensitivity, corneal damage, infections, and inflammation. Patients are urged to weigh these serious risks against the potential cosmetic benefits.

Alternatives to Eye-Tattooing
Experts recommend using colored contact lenses as a safer alternative to eye-tattooing. However, it is crucial that these lenses are prescribed and dispensed by a qualified practitioner.

The First World Congress on Keratopigmentation
The first world congress on keratopigmentation is set to take place in Spain, aiming to establish surgical protocols based on evidence for both therapeutic and cosmetic uses.

The Importance of Qualified Surgeons
Jorge Aliò, a leading ophthalmologist, emphasizes that the procedure should only be performed by adequately trained and medically educated corneal surgeons. Not all pigments are safe and stable when injected into the cornea.

The Debate Continues
While some experts like Aliò support the cosmetic use of keratopigmentation under strict medical supervision, others like Alex Day argue that no surgery aiming to change the color of healthy eyes has been proven safe.

Final Thoughts
The debate over eye-tattooing continues, but one thing is clear: the potential risks far outweigh the cosmetic benefits. No one should risk their vision for a change in eye color.

Hashtags
#EyeTattooing #CosmeticSurgery #VisionHealth #Keratopigmentation #EyeCare #HealthRisks #BeautyTrends #MedicalAdvice

Link
(https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/article/2024/may/18/eye-tattooing-experts-warn-about-risks-of-colour-changing-surgery).