Our experienced specialists, led by board-certified ophthalmologist and corneal specialist Dr. Kenneth Weinlander, provide advanced, accessible care with convenient in-office procedures, making high-level care more affordable without compromising quality.
Understanding Corneal Tattooing
Corneal tattooing can improve the appearance of the iris in people with iris defects, but it’s not just about appearance. The primary goal is managing the serious symptoms caused by iris defects.
The iris acts like a camera’s aperture. It adjusts the size of your pupil to control how much light enters. But if part of the iris is missing, damaged, or surgically altered, it can no longer regulate light intake properly. Light may flood into the eye through areas it shouldn’t, causing:
- Intractable glare
- Halos around lights
- Light sensitivity
- Reduced contrast or clarity
This is why people with iris defects often struggle in bright environments. Corneal tattooing helps by placing pigment into the corneal tissue. This pigment blocks excess light to visual comfort and function.
The Corneal Tattooing Process
Our surgeons usually perform iris tattooing in the office under local anesthesia. They expertly apply pigment to the cornea, either on the surface or within the tissue, depending on the nature of the defect.
The goal is to reduce light scatter and improve your comfort. Most patients recover quickly, with minimal downtime.
Who Might Need Corneal Tattooing?
We might recommend corneal tattooing for patients with specific eye conditions or a past eye injury that caused an iris defect. Examples include:
- Aniridia: Congenital condition causing partial or complete absence of the iris.
- Iris Iridotomy: This surgery creates a small hole in the iris to treat angle-closure glaucoma, but it can lead to excessive light entering the eye later.
- Ocular Trauma: Injury to the eye that leads to iris damage.
If you’ve experienced ongoing light-related symptoms after one of these issues, corneal tattooing may be worth considering.
Corneal Tattooing in Brookfield, WI
If you’re struggling with glare, halos, or light sensitivity caused by an iris defect, we’re here to help. Call Milwaukee Eye Surgeons at 414-377-5550 to schedule your consultation.
