Does corneal tattooing affect the conjunctival microbiota?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Medical Aesthetics

Background:

• Corneal tattooing is a cosmetic procedure using commercial inks.
• The impact of these inks on the conjunctival microbiota is not well understood.
• Conjunctival microbiota plays a role in ocular surface health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of commercial tattoo inks used in corneal tattooing on conjunctival microbiota.
• To compare bacterial growth in tattooed eyes versus healthy and leukoma eyes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case-control study involving 125 participants (35 corneal tattoos, 40 corneal leukoma, 50 healthy).
• Bacteriological samples collected from the inferior eyelid conjunctiva using sterile swabs.
• Cultures performed on chocolate and sheep blood agar.

Main Results:

• Bacterial growth was detected in 42.9% of samples from tattooed eyes.
• No statistically significant difference in conjunctival microbiota was found between tattooed eyes and the contralateral healthy eyes.
• No significant difference in bacterial growth was observed among tattooed, leukoma, and healthy eyes.

Conclusions:

• Corneal tattooing with commercial dyes does not appear to affect conjunctival microbiota.
• No infection-related complications were reported in a 3-year follow-up of tattooed patients.
• Detected bacteria were common commensals; however, monitoring is advised in suspicious cases.