Keratography in patients with leukoma

Background. Since antiquity attempts have been made to minimize disfigureme nt and stigmatization of patients with leukoma. Keratography is a relativel y new method for imprinting color pigments into the corneal stroma with an entomological needle. Materials and methods. Keratography was performed in 20 patients at the Uni versity Eye Hospital, Munich, between November 1997 and September 1999. Pat ients had either a leukoma that did not tolerate prothesis or had another c loudy corneal disease. The operation was carried out in our out-patient cli nic under local anesthesia. Results. There was a single operation in three patients,two operations in n ine, three operations in six,and four operations in two. Postoperatively 33 % of patients complained of pain. No postoperative bacterial keratitis or p erforation occurred. Conclusion. All patients were highly satisfied. The long-term stability of color pigments must still be evaluated.