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[Keratography (corneal tattooing) in corneal leukoma]
U C Schaller1, E M van der Velden, B H Drost
1Augenklinik der Universität, Klinikum Innenstadt, Ludwigmaximilians-Universität, München.
Background:
Since antiquity attempts have been made to minimize disfigurement and stigmatization of patients with leukoma. Keratography is a relatively new method for imprinting color pigments into the corneal stroma with an entomological needle.
Materials And Methods:
Keratography was performed in 20 patients at the University Eye Hospital, Munich, between November 1997 and September 1999. Patients had either a leukoma that did not tolerate prothesis or had another cloudy corneal disease. The operation was carried out in our outpatient clinic under local anesthesia.
Results:
There was a single operation in three patients, two operations in nine, three operations in six, and four operations in two. Postoperatively 33% of patients complained of pain. No postoperative bacterial keratitis or perforation occurred.
Conclusion:
All patients were highly satisfied. The long-term stability of color pigments must still be evaluated.