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Papillary conjunctivitis presenting months after permanent eyebrow tattooing.
Michael Gaspari1,2, Behnam Rabiee1,2, Muhamad Festok1,2
1Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, Nazareth Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
|November 21, 2022
Summary
Permanent eyebrow tattoos can cause serious ocular side effects beyond the tattoo site. This case highlights risks associated with non-FDA-approved inks and periorbital cosmetic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Periorbital cosmetic tattooing, including permanent eyebrow procedures, carries potential risks.
- The use of non-FDA-approved tattoo inks and uncertified practitioners can exacerbate these risks.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old female presented with bilateral ocular pain, dryness, and itching.
- Ocular examination revealed conjunctival injection, edema, pigmented lesions, and punctate keratitis.
- Biopsy confirmed exogenous pigment consistent with tattoo ink in the dermis.
Findings:
- The patient had undergone bilateral permanent eyebrow tattooing in another country four months prior.
- The complications extended beyond the tattoo site, affecting the ocular surface and conjunctiva.
- Histopathology and immunostaining confirmed the presence of tattoo ink particles.
Implications:
- Complications from periorbital tattooing are not confined to the application site and can impact adjacent ocular structures.
- Even with certified artists, the absence of FDA-approved tattoo inks poses inherent risks of inflammation and infection.
- This case underscores the importance of awareness regarding tattoo ink safety and regulatory standards in cosmetic procedures.
