Corneal Tattooing to Mask the Opacification after Amniotic Membrane Grafting for Corneal Ulcer

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report on the cosmetic efficacy of corneal tattooing using India ink in cases where amniotic membrane grafting was performed to promote corneal wound healing in corneal ulcers. METHODS: Amniotic membrane grafting of corneal ulcers was carried out in three patients with no expectation of visual recovery. After corneal reepithelization, a 30 G needle filled with India ink was placed into the amniotic membrane space between the regenerated corneal epithelium and the stromal bed, and the ink was then carefully injected. RESULTS: The staining of corneas to the appropriate opacity with India ink was successful in all cases. There were no significant complications during the mean follow up period of 17 months. All the patients were well satisfied with the corneal staining. CONCLUSIONS: When corneal opacity occurs subsequent to an amniotic membrane graft for a corneal ulcer, this corneal tattooing with an intrastromal injection of India ink into the amniotic membrane space might be a very useful method to achieve a good cosmetic result.