Eye tattooing, a facial extra pack, and enhanced beauty


Ebtisam Elghblawi

Correspondence:
Ebtisam ElghblawiDermatologist
Email: ebtisamya@yahoo.com

Received: October 2025; Accepted: November 2025; Published: November-December 2025
Citation: Elghblawi. E. Eye tattooing, a facial extra pack, and enhanced beauty. Middle East Journal of Nursing 2025; 19(1): 51-56. DOI: 10.5742/MEJN2025.9378109

..............................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

ABSTRACT

This article explores the history of various techniques that have been used to improve the aesthetic look of the eye, with associated risks, and it has evolved further recently.
It focuses on its perceived importance, motivations, and potential health implications. This topic has recently gained increasing attention and trend, particularly within younger populations who view such procedures as forms of self-expression and aesthetic enhancement.

The article highlights the cosmetic appeal of scleral tattooing, often linked to individuality, identity and social influence. However, despite its visual impact, eye tattooing carries significant medical and ethical concerns. The procedure involves injecting pigment into the sclera, which can result in serious complications such as inflammation, infection, chronic pain, photophobia, and even permanent vision loss. Given the lack of medical regulation and professional oversight in many cases, these risks are especially pronounced in younger individuals who may not fully understand the long-term consequences.

By exploring both the aesthetic motivations and the medical dangers, the aim is to promote awareness, encourage responsible decision-making, and support the need for public education and stricter safety regulations regarding cosmetic ocular procedures.
Eye or cornea tattooing, also known as keratopigmentation (KTP), is a cosmetic procedure designed to alter eye colour permanently. It can be considered a discipline within cosmetic dermatology, as, according to those choosing the procedure, it enhances facial beautification, boosts confidence, and refines external beauty, focusing mainly on improving the aesthetic balance of the face, which is pursued with a range of procedures , such as fillers, Botox, and chemical peels.

Originally, eye tattooing was used for medical purposes to treat corneal opacities and visual defects. KTP has gained popularity for purely aesthetic reasons. Techniques range from traditional needle-based methods to advanced femtosecond laser-assisted approaches, which are more precise but still carry risks.

Reported side effects of keratopigmentation range from minor issues, such as light sensitivity or localized infection, to more severe problems, including pigment displacement, corneal injury, and, in rare cases, permanent vision impairment. The newer trend, “Lumineyes,” utilizes a laser to depigment brown eyes, revealing the underlying blue tones. However, this can block eye drainage, causing glaucoma and blindness.

Historically, altering eye colour has been explored through drops, implants, and lasers—none of which are risk-free or widely approved. Silicone iris implants, for instance, have caused severe harm and have been banned in several countries. Despite their aesthetic appeal, especially under the influence of social media, most eye health professionals strongly warn against such procedures. The long-term safety of eye tattooing remains unknown, particularly in young patients who may later develop complications such as undetected eye diseases or challenges with surgeries like cataract removal.

Ultimately, tattooing the eyes for cosmetic purposes is not recommended. It risks damaging the eye’s natural function and obscuring future diagnoses—all for the sake of an unnatural, often idealised appearance.

Keywords: Eye tattooing, eye colouring, eye lasering, eye pigments