The selection of pigment and color plays a critical role in corneal tattooing. The method, pigment type, and color vary depending on the patient. Globally, black pigments are commonly used; however, eye colors such as brown, green, and blue exist in a wide range of shades. Over the past four years, we have performed corneal tattooing on more than 250 patients, and the pigment color, duration of application, and ratios have differed for each case. In our clinic, corneal tattooing is tailored to the natural color and tone of the patient’s other eye, using shades of brown, green, and other appropriate hues.
Matching lighter colors to the patient’s natural eye color is particularly challenging. Among patients who received lighter pigments, we observed a higher degree of fading compared to those with darker pigments. To date, we have performed corneal tattooing using green pigments on over 20 patients. While 15 of these cases achieved a high degree of color matching, the remaining patients exhibited slightly darker or lighter outcomes. Despite the improved results achieved after surgery compared to the preoperative period, darker pigments generally yield more successful outcomes.
Our primary objective is to create a corneal tattoo that matches the patient’s other eye in color and size without penetrating or damaging the cornea. Fading is a common occurrence in all tattooing procedures, and the long-term success of a tattoo largely depends on minimizing this fading.
Fading can be attributed to several factors, including the practitioner’s lack of experience, the use of inappropriate pigments, unsuitable techniques, and insufficient depth of pigment application within the stroma. Patients who experience less fading during the first month tend to report higher satisfaction and success rates. Therefore, selecting the appropriate color and tone is essential. Achieving optimal outcomes in corneal tattooing requires expertise in determining the duration and technique of pigment application.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Yılmaz, Corneal Tattoo Specialist