Does Corneal Tattooing Improve Psychosocial Functioning in Patients With Corneal Leukoma? A Pilot Study

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to investigate the psychosocial effects of corneal tattooing in patients with corneal leukoma. Materials and methods: Aesthetic pigmentation was applied to patients with corneal leukomas. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), and the International Brief Version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale, which were validated by Turkish speakers, were performed before and 3 months after corneal tattooing for aesthetic purposes. A review and interpretation of questionnaire scores was conducted under the supervision of authors from psychiatric departments. For demographic and clinical data, 20 questions were asked of patients before tattooing and 14 questions were asked 3 months after tattooing. Results: According to all tests, all scores drastically decreased after corneal tattooing. In the HADS test, the mean preoperative depression score was 8.80, while the postoperative was 4.39 ( P <0.001). The mean preoperative anxiety score was 7.52, and the postoperative score was 4.41 ( P <0.001). The mean preoperative SAAS score was 50.64, with the postoperative score equaling 33.68 ( P <0.001). Finally, the mean preoperative BNFES score was 35.14, and the postoperative was 24.57 ( P <0.001). All values are statistically strongly significant ( P <0.001). Conclusion: Patients with corneal leukomas are at higher risk of significant depression and anxiety symptoms for many reasons, such as low vision, trauma, multiple surgery, strabismus, and ptosis. In conclusion, addressing corneal leukoma through appropriate ophthalmological interventions not only improves visual function but also alleviates appearance-related psychological distress. Integrating psychiatric assessment into the care process may further enhance the overall quality of life through a holistic, patient-centered approach.