Eye tattoos are a unique form of body art that’s gaining attention. They involve injecting ink directly into the white part of the eye. This changes its color permanently.
Eye tattoos have some serious risks, including loss of vision and blindness. You should give it a lot of thought before getting one. The procedure is irreversible, and many doctors advise against it.
Some people see eye tattoos as the ultimate self-expression. Others view them as too extreme. Either way, they’re sure to turn heads. Learning more can help you decide if they’re right for you.
What Is An Eye Tattoo
An eye tattoo is a body modification in which ink is injected into the white part of your eye, called the sclera. This changes the color of your eyeball. It’s different from regular tattoos on your skin.
Eye tattoos are risky. They can cause serious problems with your vision if not done carefully. Some people get them to look unique or as a form of self-expression.
The process involves using a needle to put ink under the top layer of your eye. It’s permanent and can’t be easily removed. Colors like black, blue, and red are common choices.
You might hear it called “scleral tattooing” or “eyeball tattooing.” It’s a newer and controversial type of body art. Many doctors warn against it because of the dangers.
Eye tattoos aren’t the same as cosmetic tattoos around your eyes. Those are safer and done on the skin near your eyes, not on the eyeball itself.
Before thinking about an eye tattoo, it’s important to know the risks. Your eyesight could be harmed. Always talk to an eye doctor first if you’re curious about this procedure.
The History Of Eye Tattooing
Eye tattooing has a long and fascinating past. It started as a medical procedure in the late 1800s. Doctors used it to fix eye color problems in people with certain conditions.
In the early 2000s, eye tattooing became popular as body art. You might be surprised to learn that Shannon Larratt played a big role in this trend. He was the founder of BME, a body modification website.
Larratt helped spread info about eye tattooing. He shared stories and photos of people who had it done. This made more folks curious about trying it themselves.
At first, only a few brave souls got their eyes tattooed. It was seen as extreme and risky. But over time, it caught on with body mod fans.
Today, eye tattooing is still rare. But you can find artists who specialize in it. They use special needles and ink made just for eyes.
Remember, eye tattooing is very different from regular tattoos. It’s much riskier and can cause serious problems if not done right. Always talk to a doctor before considering this procedure.
Eye Tattoo Techniques
Eye tattoos are a risky and unusual form of body modification. There are a few different ways to tattoo the eye area. Each method has its own risks and results.
Scleral tattoos color the white part of your eye. A needle injects ink directly into the eyeball. This is very dangerous and can cause blindness.
Corneal tattooing changes the color of your iris. It uses special tools to place pigment on the eye’s surface. Doctors sometimes use this to treat certain eye conditions.
Keratopigmentation is similar to corneal tattooing. It adds color to the clear front part of your eye. This can help with cosmetic issues or light sensitivity.
Some people use India ink for eye tattoos. This is not safe. Only use pigments made for the eye.
You might see photos of dramatic eyeball tattoos online. Remember, these procedures are very risky. They can cause pain, infection, and vision loss. Many doctors refuse to do them.
If you’re curious about eye tattoos, talk to an eye doctor first. They can explain the dangers and suggest safer alternatives. Your vision is precious – protect it!
Safety Precautions
Eye tattoos are very risky. You need to be extra careful if you’re thinking about getting one. The procedure can lead to serious problems with your vision.
Make sure you only go to a licensed professional. They should use sterile tools and fresh ink. This helps lower the chance of getting an infection.
Your eye might swell up after the tattoo. This is normal, but too much swelling is bad. If it doesn’t go down after a few days, see a doctor right away.
Watch out for signs of infection. These include:
• Lots of pain
• Redness that spreads
• Discharge from your eye
• Fever
If you notice any of these, get medical help fast. Infections in your eye can cause lasting damage.
Even if everything seems fine at first, keep an eye out for vision changes. You might have:
• Blurry vision
• Trouble seeing in bright light
• Dark spots in your vision
These could mean something is wrong. Don’t ignore them – see an eye doctor.
Remember, eye tattoos can lead to blindness. Think hard about whether it’s worth the risk. Your eyesight is precious, and once it’s gone, you can’t get it back.
Eye Tattoo Aftercare
Taking care of your eye tattoo is very important. You need to follow the artist’s instructions closely. This helps your tattoo heal well and look its best.
Keep the area clean and dry for the first few days. Don’t touch or rub your eyes. Avoid makeup, contact lenses, and eye drops at first.
Your eyes might feel sore and watery. This is normal. Use cold compresses to help with swelling. Avoid bright lights and screens if they bother you.
Here are some key things to remember:
- Wash your hands before touching the area
- Use only the eye drops your artist gives you
- Wear sunglasses outside to protect your eyes
- Don’t swim or use hot tubs for a few weeks
You might see some flaking or peeling. Don’t pick at it. Let it fall off on its own.
Call your doctor if you have severe pain, vision changes, or signs of infection. These could be serious problems.
Remember, healing takes time. Be patient and take good care of your new eye tattoo.
Popular Eye Tattoo Designs
Eye tattoos come in many cool designs. You might like some of these popular choices:
All-seeing eye: This design shows an eye inside a triangle. It stands for wisdom and protection.
Third eye: People get this tattoo on their forehead. It’s about inner sight and being aware.
Evil eye: This old symbol is meant to ward off bad luck. It often has blue and white colors.
Realistic eye: Some folks want a tattoo that looks just like a real eye. Artists can make these very detailed.
Animal eyes: Cat, wolf, or owl eyes are common picks. They show the spirit of that animal.
Here’s a quick list of other eye tattoo ideas:
- Egyptian Eye of Horus
- Crying eye
- Eye with flowers or nature scenes
- Geometric eye shapes
- Eye with clock or time elements
Remember, eye tattoos can be risky. Some people have had bad reactions. It’s safer to get tattoos around your eyes, not in them.
Colored contacts can give a similar look without the risks. They come in many fun designs too.
Before getting any eye tattoo, talk to a pro. Make sure you know what you’re getting into. Your eyes are precious!
Conclusion
Eye tattoos are a risky and extreme form of body modification. They can cause severe complications like vision loss or eye infections. Many doctors strongly advise against getting them done.
If you’re thinking about an eye tattoo, talk to an eye doctor first. They can explain the dangers in detail. Consider safer alternatives that won’t put your sight at risk.
Remember, your eyes are precious. Once damaged, vision often can’t be restored. Think carefully before making a permanent change to such a vital organ.
Stay informed about eye health and safety. Your sight is worth protecting. There are many other ways to express yourself through body art that don’t endanger your vision.
