Simple and novel technique of using lampblack soot as a corneal tattoo for disfiguring corneal opacities

The aim of this study was to report a series of corneal tattooing in three eyes of three patients with disfiguring corneal scar and no visual potential, which underwent the procedure using the lampblack prepared in the operating room (OR), and to describe the novel technique of lampblack preparation for the surgery. The depth of corneal opacity was carefully assessed and a superficial lamellar pocket was made by lamellar separation using corneal dissectors, following which the prepared lampblack soot using materials available in the OR was deposited in the pocket. At a mean follow-up of 6 months, all the eyes had a stable corneal surface with an acceptable cosmetic outcome. Corneal tattoo using lampblack gives a satisfactory cosmetic result with good patient satisfaction and improved quality of life in the eyes with disfiguring corneal scar.