Besides covering other potential eye problems or causing irritation, eyeball tattoos pose a plethora of other risks, some irreparable, including:Įven if the procedure was done correctly these problems could still arise. Injecting ink into the sclera can lead to eye health problems immediately following the surgery or some time afterward. It goes without saying that there’s a risk of eye irritation during and after the procedure, but what makes it even more concerning is the irritation may never fade entirely. Any number of issues could go wrong during the procedure, considering someone performs it who has no medical training. The Dangers of Eyeball TattoosĮyeball tattoos, though visually striking, are more trouble than they’re worth. It makes ophthalmologists a bit sad to have to discuss it, but they also have a resounding “no” when asked if people should get their eyeballs tattooed. An eye doctor wouldn’t be able to see through the dyed ink, which could lead to undiagnosed eye problems, including the potential for complete visual impairment. Plus, if someone has an eyeball tattoo, the injected ink can cover up other potential eye problems.
EYE FOR AN EYE TATTOO PROFESSIONAL
A non-medical professional sticking a foreign substance (ink and a needle) into the eye is a situation fraught with hazards. While there are no concrete studies or existing evidence related to sclera tattoos, common sense alone indicates the potential risks. At least three states, along with some parts of Canada, prohibit eyeball tattoos. Though eyeball tattoo surgeries are not performed regularly, many areas have already enacted bans.
Probably because when people consider getting a tattoo, the first place they think of is not the sclera of their eyeball. The process is dangerous, with little to no research having been conducted about eyeball tattoos. The medical community almost universally rejects sclera tattoos.
Even Cobra suggests that only a medically licensed professional should tattoo eyeballs, which is good because no medical professional in their right mind should ever consider performing an eyeball tattoo surgery. While Cobra recommends that people think critically about if they want a sclera tattoo for aesthetic’s sake, there are more significant issues at hand. The colors typically used could vary, leading to some exciting and unique appearances. Who Invented the Eyeball Tattoo?įamous body modification artists Luna Cobra and Shannon Larratt seemingly started the trend of dying the eyeball’s sclera with tattoo ink. Here’s a closer look at why these types of tattoos are a bad idea. However, if you’re considering one, make sure you’re fully informed. Most people tend to recoil at even the thought of an eyeball tattoo.