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. It does not restore vision in an opaque cornea. Pigment is placed either superficially with a fine needle or deeper within the stroma, depending on how deep the scar sits.
Why choose us
International standard. Regional access.
Medical-grade mineral pigments
Micronized mineral pigments, imported and internationally certified, placed at a depth matched to the scar. They hold their color far better than the organic dyes older tattooing relied on.
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.
| Procedure | Best for | From (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional corneal tattoo | Surface scar coverage | $800 - $1,500 |
| Deep keratopigmentation, mineral pigments | Deeper scars, better color stability | $1,200 - $2,000 |
| Tattoo + cosmetic contact lens fitting | For very dense scars | $1,500 - $2,500 |
Common questions
Frequently asked.
Will the tattoo restore my vision?
How long does the tattoo last?
Is it reversible?
Are there alternatives?
Book your consultation
Pick a day and time. The first visit is an eye exam with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy, who tells you which option suits your eyes.
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.
Medical references
- Alió JL, Al-Shymali O, Amesty MA, Rodriguez AE. "Keratopigmentation with micronised mineral pigments: complications and outcomes in a series of 234 eyes." Br J Ophthalmol. 2018;102(6):742-747. PMID: 28855194. Complications occurred in 12.82% of 234 treated eyes over follow-up ranging from 4 months to 12 years, most often light sensitivity, then color fading and color change.
- Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy: 20+ years of corneal and refractive surgery, Devers Eye Institute fellowship (Portland, Oregon), two surgical techniques published in the AAO video series. The figures on this page come from the published literature, not from this clinic's own patients.