Conjunctival Tattoo With Inadvertent Globe Penetration and Associated Complications

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of conjunctival tattooing for cosmetic purposes with inadvertent globe penetration resulting in severe inflammation, capsular lens opacity, and secondary glaucoma.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 25-year-old woman experienced severe ocular pain and decreased vision in the left eye after conjunctival tattooing for cosmetic purposes on the previous day. Slit-lamp examination revealed black deposits over the conjunctiva, corneal endothelium, anterior chamber angle, iris, and anterior capsular lens due to the tattooing pigment. In addition, severe anterior uveitis triggered by the pigments and, later, secondary glaucoma were diagnosed. The patient underwent clinical and surgical treatments to control ocular inflammation and intraocular pressure. Three months after the injury, the patient was still under follow-up treatment in an effort to control the complications of the eyeball tattooing.

Conclusions: An unusual case of conjunctival tattooing resulted in severe inflammation, capsular lens opacity, and secondary glaucoma. Because of the increasing popularity of eyeball tattooing, coupled with the procedure being performed by untrained professionals, potentially severe complications of this procedure may become more common.