The practice people are referring to when they ask if they can “dye their eyes” is an extreme form of body modification known as ocular tattooing, which involves injecting pigment directly into the eyeball. This procedure is a non-medical, high-risk intervention that carries a high probability of severe and permanent complications. Medical professionals caution against this practice, emphasizing that the potential for vision loss significantly outweighs any cosmetic appeal.
The Reality of Ocular Tattooing
Ocular tattooing, more accurately termed scleral tattooing, is a procedure where ink is injected into the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. The goal is to permanently color this area, transforming the eye’s appearance from white to a solid color like black, blue, or green. This technique originated within the body modification community around 2007, marking it as a relatively new and medically unstudied practice. Unlike a traditional skin tattoo, the scleral procedure involves carefully injecting liquid pigment between the conjunctiva and the underlying sclera. The injection is meant to spread the ink to coat the sclera, requiring several injections using a fine-gauge needle to achieve full coverage. A major concern is that this procedure is almost universally performed by individuals who lack any formal medical or ophthalmological training. Furthermore, the substances used are non-ophthalmic grade tattoo inks, which are not approved or tested for use inside the human eye.
Immediate and Long-Term Health Risks
The immediate risks of ocular tattooing are severe and often require emergency medical intervention. A primary concern is the potential for acute infection, such as endophthalmitis, a dangerous infection inside the eyeball that can rapidly lead to vision loss. The procedure also frequently causes significant inflammation, hemorrhage, and swelling that can last for days or weeks. If the needle penetrates too deeply, it can cause a globe perforation or a retinal detachment, which are medical emergencies that threaten the integrity of the eye structure.
The long-term consequences of scleral tattooing can be equally devastating and are often irreversible. Injecting foreign pigment into the eye can lead to chronic inflammation of the internal eye structures, known as uveitis, and chronic light sensitivity. A serious complication is the development of glaucoma, caused by increased intraocular pressure resulting from the disruption of the eye’s natural fluid drainage system. In some documented cases, the ink has migrated or stained surrounding tissue, making future diagnostic exams difficult for eye care professionals. The most drastic outcome is permanent vision loss or complete blindness in the tattooed eye.
In instances where pain and infection become uncontrollable, the eye may need to be surgically removed, a procedure called enucleation. Since this practice is unregulated, there is a distinct lack of long-term safety data, meaning the full scope of potential complications remains unknown.
Safer Alternatives for Changing Eye Color
For those who wish to change their eye color, the safest and most readily available option is the use of colored contact lenses. These lenses, which come in opaque, enhancement, and visibility tints, provide a reversible and non-invasive color change. It remains imperative that these lenses are obtained with a valid prescription from an eye care professional to ensure proper fit, reducing the risk of corneal damage and infection. Poorly fitting or unhygienic lens use is a significant risk factor for eye complications, even with cosmetic lenses.
A medical alternative is keratopigmentation, also known as corneal tattooing, which is a surgical procedure performed by ophthalmologists. This technique involves creating a micro-tunnel in the cornea using a femtosecond laser, into which a biocompatible pigment is inserted. While historically used for therapeutic purposes, such as masking corneal scars or defects, it is increasingly offered for cosmetic color change. Though significantly safer than scleral tattooing, keratopigmentation is still an invasive surgical procedure with potential risks, including light sensitivity and corneal cloudiness.
Another procedure for permanent eye color change involves cosmetic iris implants, where a colored silicone disc is surgically placed over the natural iris. Medical bodies, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, strongly discourage this procedure for purely cosmetic reasons due to its high complication rate. Complications often include glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal injury, frequently necessitating the surgical removal of the implant. Opting for any surgical intervention should involve a thorough consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist to weigh the aesthetic desire against the serious possibility of permanent vision damage.