Restore Confidence. Reclaim Your Appearance.
Proven therapeutic procedure for corneal opacities, scars, leukomas, and iris abnormalities. Performed exclusively for therapeutic cosmetic indications.
150+
Years of Procedure History
>90%
Patient Satisfaction Rate
₹7,000
Both Eyes — Transparent Pricing
3rd Gen
Biocompatible Mineral Pigments
WHY CHOOSE NETRAM
Book a consultation with Dr. Anchal Gupta. Honest assessment. No pressure. Complete pre-operative counselling included.
TREATMENT OVERVIEW
Corneal tattooing — formally called keratopigmentation (KTP) — is the application of biocompatible pigment to the corneal tissue to alter its cosmetic appearance. The procedure has been performed in ophthalmology for over 150 years, with modern techniques using micronised mineral pigments and precise surgical delivery systems producing natural-looking, long-lasting, and safe results.
Corneal opacities (leukomas) from trauma, infection, or surgery; disfiguring white or discoloured corneas in blind or low-vision eyes; iris abnormalities causing glare or cosmetic distress; phthisis bulbi; corneal scars; and band keratopathy with cosmetic impact.
Primarily patients with a disfigured eye — white scarred cornea, total or subtotal leukoma, corneal opacity from old keratitis or trauma — where the cosmetic appearance causes social distress, loss of confidence, or self-consciousness. Also for patients with iris defects causing debilitating glare.
The first description of corneal tattooing was by Galen of Pergamum in 150 AD. Modern corneal tattooing was formalised by Louis de Wecker in 1869. Today's procedures use third-generation micronised mineral pigments with proven biocompatibility, colour stability, and safety records.
Published studies show 37.5% excellent and 56.3% good cosmesis with therapeutic keratopigmentation. Third-generation micronised mineral pigments are significantly more stable than older India ink or metallic pigments. Most patients maintain acceptable cosmetic results for 2–5 years before any touch-up is needed. Vascularised corneas show more pigment fading; avascular opacities maintain pigment stability much better.
OUR APPROACH
The procedure is performed under topical or local anaesthesia in our minor procedure room. Here is exactly what happens at Netram Eye Foundation:
A thorough pre-operative assessment is performed including slit lamp examination, B-scan ultrasound if indicated, and colour matching of the pigment to the fellow eye.
Topical anaesthetic drops (proparacaine) are applied. For some approaches, a peribulbar block may be used for greater comfort.
The corneal surface is prepared. For superficial tattooing, the epithelium over the opacity is gently removed or micropunctured to create channels for pigment entry.
The selected biocompatible micronised mineral pigment — colour-matched to your fellow eye — is carefully deposited into the corneal stroma using a 30-gauge needle or automated micropuncture device over the opacity.
The pigment is worked into the corneal tissue until uniform, natural-looking coverage of the opacity is achieved. Adjacent areas are carefully feathered for a gradual, realistic transition.
The treated area is assessed under the slit lamp for coverage uniformity and colour match. Additional pigment is applied as needed.
Antibiotic drops are instilled. A bandage contact lens or eye pad is placed. You go home the same day.
Netram Eye Foundation
Hi! Welcome to Netram Eye Foundation.
10:00 AM
Have a disfigured eye and want to know if corneal tattooing can help? Let us assess your case.
10:00 AM
MEET YOUR SURGEON
Fellowship in Cornea & Refractive Surgery
Expert in Cataract, Refractive (LASIK) & Cornea Procedures.
Among the fastest surgeons in India.
Thousands of successful vision correction surgeries.
Winner of many prestigious awards.
Known for precision, empathy, and ethical care.
19+
Years
Of Experience
2.5L+
Successful Procedures
7+
Areas of Surgical Expertise
A disfigured eye is not just a cosmetic matter — it affects how someone interacts with the world, their confidence in social situations, and how they feel when they look in the mirror. Restoring a natural appearance to that eye, when we can do so safely, is a meaningful and deeply human act of care.
KERATOPIGMENTATION TECHNIQUES
Several techniques for keratopigmentation exist in clinical practice. At Netram, we perform the technique most appropriate for each patient's specific corneal condition and eye anatomy.
| Technique | How It Works | Depth of Pigment | Best For | At Netram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superficial Manual (SMK) | Multiple micropunctures with 30G needle; pigment deposited superficially | Epithelium / Bowman's layer | Partial opacities; most leukomas | Performed |
| Superficial Automated (SAK) | Multi-needle automated device; uniform, faster pigment delivery | Epithelium / anterior stroma | Larger opacities; better uniformity | Selected cases |
| Manual Intralamellar (MIK) | Lamellar corneal dissection; pigment placed in stromal pocket | Mid-stroma (300–400 µm) | Dense leukomas; deeper opacities | Selected complex cases |
| Femtosecond-Assisted (FAK) | Femtosecond laser creates precise intrastromal pocket; pigment injected | Precise mid-stromal depth | Premium cosmetic; colour change | Advanced technique |
About Pigments We use third-generation micronised mineral pigments — the current gold standard for keratopigmentation. These are biocompatible, colour-stable under prolonged UV light exposure, and maintain the cornea's vascular and avascular properties. They have replaced older India ink and metallic pigments which were associated with higher complication rates and poor colour stability.
| Procedure | Details | Price at Netram |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal Tattoo — Both Eyes | Therapeutic keratopigmentation; mineral pigments; colour-matched | ₹7,000 (both eyes) |
| Pre-op Evaluation | Slit lamp, B-scan (if needed), colour matching, counselling | Included in consultation |
| Bandage Contact Lens | Therapeutic soft lens for epithelial healing (3–5 days) | Included |
| Touch-Up Session | For colour fading, incomplete coverage, or vascularised areas | Additional charge — consult our team |
| Follow-Up Visits | Day 1, Day 5, Week 4, Month 3 assessments | Included in package |
Setting the right expectations before corneal tattooing is the most important part of our pre-operative counselling. Here is an honest, evidence-based guide to what patients typically experience.
| Outcome | What Evidence Shows | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic appearance | 37.5% excellent; 56.3% good cosmesis in therapeutic KTP study (2025 PMC/PubMed). Purely cosmetic KTP: 90% excellent at 1–6 year follow-up | Assessed at 4–6 weeks | Vascularised corneas have less predictable results |
| Patient satisfaction | 92.5% excellent satisfaction in cosmetic KTP studies; 93.75% excellent or good in therapeutic series (WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire) | Month 1–3 | Self-confidence and social comfort are primary outcome measures |
| Glare / photophobia reduction | Significant reduction documented in patients treated for iris defects; improvement in functional visual symptoms | Weeks 1–4 | Particularly effective for large iridectomies and traumatic iris loss |
| Pigment stability | Third-generation mineral pigments show good colour stability at 2–5 year follow-up. Fading more common in vascularised corneas | 1–5 years | Touch-up sessions address fading; more resistant than first-gen India ink |
| Vision | Keratopigmentation does not improve or reduce vision in blind eyes. In seeing eyes with carefully selected opacities, vision is generally unchanged or occasionally slightly improved by reduced glare | Immediate post-procedure | Procedure is NOT intended to improve visual acuity |
| Touch-up requirement | 20–30% of patients may need a touch-up for colour uniformity or areas of fading, particularly in vascularised corneas | 6 months post-procedure | Budgeted separately; not a complication but an expected part of long-term management |
THE TREATMENT JOURNEY
From your first consultation to your annual review — every step in the corneal tattooing journey is guided with complete honesty and compassionate care.
PRE-OP step 1 of 4
PATIENT STORIES
“I’m very thankful to Dr. Anchal Gupta for my successful eye operation. She explained the full process clearly, built my confidence, and made me feel genuinely cared for throughout....”
Sonu Kashyap
Eye Surgery Review
Prakash Chetri
Cataract Surgery
“One month after LASIK, my vision is much clearer at 6/4, beyond expectations. Thank you to Dr. Anchal and the team for such a smooth and reassuring experience....”
Shafiya Meditrip
LASIK Review
Ritika Kaushal
LASIK Surgery
“I had ICL surgery at Netram and felt supported from consultation to follow-up. Dr. Anchal Gupta and Dr. Neha Sharma explained everything patiently and made the whole journey comfortable and reassuring....”
Akshita Yadav
ICL Surgery Review
Subhankar
LASIK Surgery
■ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Corneal tattooing (keratopigmentation) is a procedure that applies biocompatible pigment to the cornea to cosmetically restore the appearance of a disfigured, white, or scarred eye. It is for patients whose eye has been affected by corneal leukoma (dense white opacity), corneal scar, iris abnormality causing glare, phthisis bulbi, or other conditions that cause a cosmetically prominent change in the eye's appearance. It is a therapeutic cosmetic procedure — not a purely aesthetic one for healthy eyes.
No — corneal tattooing does not restore vision. It restores appearance. The procedure covers the cosmetically visible opacity or scar, making the eye look more natural — but it does not reverse the structural changes in the cornea that caused the vision loss. For blind or low-vision eyes, this is entirely expected and understood. For patients with partial vision in the affected eye, the procedure is performed with extreme care, and vision is monitored before and after.
Topical anaesthetic drops numb the corneal surface effectively. Most patients feel pressure and awareness of the procedure, but not pain. The most noticeable sensation is during the micropuncture of the epithelium — which is mild and brief. After the procedure, when the drops wear off, mild foreign body sensation is expected for 3–5 days while the epithelium heals. This is well-managed with prescribed drops and the bandage contact lens.
Results vary depending on the extent and type of the original opacity, the degree of corneal vascularisation, and the skill of colour matching. For total leukomas on blind eyes, published studies show 37.5% excellent and 56.3% good cosmesis. For more limited opacities, results can be very natural-looking. The goal is not a perfect match — it is a result that is significantly more natural and harmonious than a white or disfigured eye. Dr. Anchal will give you an honest assessment of what to expect from your specific case before proceeding.
Third-generation micronised mineral pigments are significantly more stable than older India ink or metallic pigments. Most patients maintain acceptable cosmetic results for 2–5 years before any touch-up is needed. Vascularised corneas (where blood vessels are present in the scar) show more pigment fading as vessels can wash out the pigment. In avascular opacities, pigment stability is much better. Annual review is recommended to monitor the result.
Approximately 20–30% of patients benefit from a touch-up session at 3–6 months post-procedure — particularly in vascularised areas or where initial coverage was uneven. A touch-up is not a complication; it is an expected part of long-term management of keratopigmentation, similar to how skin tattoos may need refreshing. Touch-up sessions are priced separately and discussed at your follow-up visit.
No — at Netram Eye Foundation, we do not offer purely cosmetic keratopigmentation on healthy eyes for eye colour change. While some centres globally offer this, the procedure on healthy eyes carries documented risks including photophobia (in up to 30% at 1 month), subtle endothelial cell loss, ectasia risk in susceptible corneas, and limited long-term safety data beyond 5 years. We follow responsible clinical practice and perform keratopigmentation exclusively where there is a genuine therapeutic need. We are happy to discuss alternative options for those interested in changing eye appearance, including cosmetic contact lenses.
The most commonly reported risks in therapeutic keratopigmentation include: foreign body sensation during healing (3–5 days), mild photosensitivity post-procedure (resolves within weeks), corneal neovascularisation response (more likely in already-vascularised corneas), pigment fading (addressed with touch-ups), and inflammation. Serious complications — infection, significant vision loss — are rare and minimised by strict aseptic technique. In blind eyes, the risk-benefit balance strongly favours the procedure given the life-quality benefit of restored appearance.
Corneal tattooing (keratopigmentation) is priced at ₹7,000 for both eyes at Netram Eye Foundation, Greater Kailash II. This includes pre-operative assessment, the procedure, bandage contact lens, post-operative medication for the first week, and all scheduled follow-up visits up to 3 months. Touch-up sessions, if needed at 3–6 months, are priced separately. Please contact our team for a personalised assessment and quote.
Coloured or tinted cosmetic contact lenses are a non-surgical alternative — removable, reversible, and with no procedural risks. However, they require daily insertion and removal, carry infection risks (particularly important in eyes with existing corneal disease), and may not sit properly on scarred or irregular corneas. They also need to be replaced regularly and can be uncomfortable in eyes with surface problems. Corneal tattooing is a permanent option for patients where contact lenses are not tolerated, not viable on the irregular surface, or where the patient prefers a maintenance-free solution.
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