Abstract
PURPOSE: to report a case of corneal melting following corneal tattooing with carbon-based ink. OBSERVATIONS: A 67 year old female with a phthisical eye underwent corneal tattooing with carbon-based ink for purpose of cosmesis. The procedure was uncomplicated. At 8 weeks postoperatively, she presented with almost complete corneal melt with uveal prolapse. There was no evidence of infection. The patient underwent evisceration. Histopathologic examination of the excised corneal button showed melting of the epithelium and anterior stromal layers, diffuse inflammation of the deeper stromal layers, and disorganized Descemet membrane and endothelium with adherent iris tissue. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Corneal melting can occur as a rare complication of corneal tattooing with carbon-based ink.