Inadvertent corneal pigmentation following cosmetic blepharopigmentation

Inadvertent corneal pigmentation following cosmetic blepharopigmentation.

High - Industry alert, report has major implications related to health and safety.

American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports. 2018 Sep 5;12:52-54. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2018.09.002.

The authors present a well described case with high resolution sequential photographs prior to and subsequent to treatment.

This case highlights that although eyeliner tattooing has become a relatively routine procedure provided by many cosmetic tattoo technicians there are potential risks particularly if due care is not exercised. Inadvertent tattooing of the eye surface may occur during an eyeliner procedure due to a variety of reasons such as;

• Unexpected sudden movement of the client

• Operator carelessness

• Full thickness lid penetration - excessive needle depth/failure to measure needle depth

• Tattooing the lid mucosa

• Tattooing with eyelids open

• Use of high impact equipment not specifically designed for micropigmentation

• Use of outdated/inaccurate equipment e.g. older style rotary pen devices

The skin of the eyelid is extremely thin (the thinnest of any region on the body) particularly near the lid margins, cosmetic tattoo technicians need adequate training in anatomy and physiology of the eyelids to be able to adequately comprehend the risks associated with eyeliner tattooing. Blepharospasm of the client during the procedure, tattooing of the mucosa, or changes to needle angle could potentially result in inadvertent full thickens penetration of the lid.

Comprehensive training by those certified in micropigmentation & training and assessment, ideally training programs should also be supervised by a registered health professional for all medical tattoo and high risk makeup tattoo services such as eyeliner tattooing, as well as the following general objectives for risk minimisation;

• Selection of high quality devices specifically manufactured for micropigmentation services.

• Avoid tattooing on or near the lid mucosa.

• Needle depth should always be carefully measured.

• Clear understanding of the effect that changes to needle insertion geometry have on actual needle depth.

Scientific Report,  eyeliner tattooing, eye, cornea, stromal pigmentation