Skip to content
Cosmetic · Femtosecond-assisted · regional rarity

Corneal tattoo — restore the look of a healthy iris.

Keratopigmentation (corneal tattoo) hides white corneal scars or unrepairable iris defects with permanent pigment placed within the cornea. Purely cosmetic — does not restore vision in opaque corneas. Done with traditional needle technique or, for higher precision, Femtosecond laser channel creation.

Corneal Tattoo / Keratopigmentation with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy — Shaarawy Cornea Clinic

Why choose us

International standard. Regional access.

Femtosecond-laser channel placement

Traditional tattooing uses needles; Femtosecond creates uniform sub-surface channels for more even pigment distribution and color predictability.

Color-matched to your other eye

Pigment is mixed and tested before injection. The goal is matching the iris of your seeing eye so the cosmetic result is symmetric.

Cornea sub-specialty oversight

The procedure intersects cornea anatomy and pigment chemistry. Done well, it lasts decades; done poorly, it can cause inflammation or color migration.

Pre-op compatibility check

Not every scar is suitable for tattoo. We screen with anterior segment OCT to confirm the scar depth and stromal anatomy before committing.

Procedures & pricing

Transparent USD pricing.

Final cost is set after clinical examination. Local-currency equivalents available on request. Insurance reports issued for international patients.

ProcedureBest forFrom (USD)
Traditional corneal tattooSurface scar coverage$800 $1,500
Femtosecond-assisted tattooDeeper scars, better color precision$1,200 $2,000
Tattoo + cosmetic contact lens fittingFor very dense scars$1,500 $2,500

Common questions

Frequently asked.

Will the tattoo restore my vision?
No — keratopigmentation is purely cosmetic. The goal is to hide a white scar or large iris defect so the eye looks normal. Visual restoration in opaque corneas requires corneal transplantation (DALK or PKP).
How long does the tattoo last?
Decades, in most cases. The pigment is implanted into the corneal stroma where vascular supply is minimal, so fading is slow. A small percentage of patients want a touch-up after 10+ years.
Is it reversible?
Largely no. Some surface tattoos can be partially removed by superficial keratectomy if the patient is unhappy, but the procedure is best considered permanent.
Are there alternatives?
Cosmetic contact lenses are the non-surgical alternative. They give a good cosmetic result but require daily handling. Tattoo is the right choice for patients who want a permanent solution.

Send a photo of both eyes. We'll quote within 24 hours.

Send a clear photo of both eyes (good lighting, no flash) plus a recent corneal exam if available. We'll respond within 24 hours with whether you're a candidate for keratopigmentation, the recommended technique, and the all-in cost.

Contact us on WhatsApp
BookCallWhatsApp