Eye coloring systems

A novel system for coloring tissues of the human eye, especially methods of coloring the iris, includes drying the tissue surface, applying colorant to the dried surface, and then drying the applied colorant. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be coatings or stains.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems (methods, apparatuses, and their relationships) for changing the color of the eye, perhaps permanently, for cosmetic purposes. It is not related to tattooing or to implants, nor to modifications of the cornea.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The human eye is a generally spherical structure, or eyeball, of a living tissue called “sclera,” which is normally white. An opening in the front of the eye, called a pupil, permits entry of light into the eyeball, through the lens of the eye and onto the retina. The size of the pupil is controlled by an iris, which has a natural color. When reference to a person's eye color is made in day-to-day conversation, it is normally the color of the iris that is referred to. In front of the pupil and iris is the cornea.

An attempt at eye coloration that was widely reported involved eye tattooing, in which, with some 40 needle pricks, a blue ink was introduced into the subconjunctival space of the eye for purposes of body ornamentation. The methodology was dangerous and the results are still not completely known. That is, reports of whether or not the eye tattoo volunteer went blind are pending.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,466 was issued to Moncada on Aug. 11, 1998 for an EYE COLOR HIGHLIGHTING CONTACT LENS that features a contact lens with patterns of colored radial lines outside a central clear circular area. The contact lens is removable.

Several patents have been issued for surgical contrast coloration methods that assist the surgeon in visualizing tissues of eye. U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,127 was issued to Homer on Oct. 23, 2001 for a METHOD OF ALTERATION OF IRIS PIGMENTATION that features using laser beams of various frequencies to destroy selected pigments in the iris and thereby change the color of the iris. U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,526 was issued to Snyder, et al., on Feb. 17, 2004 for a OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SURGERY COLORANT AND DELIVERY SYSTEM that features the use of a temporary, selectively administered, contrast stain in retinal and cataract surgery to aid the surgeon in distinguishing various tissues of the eye. U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,480 issued to Coroneo on Apr. 9, 2002 for METHODS FOR VISUALIZING THE ANTERIOR LENS CAPSULE OF THE HUMAN EYE features use of trypan blue for enhanced visualization of the anterior lens capsule during cataract surgery. U.S. Pat. No. 6,372.449 issued to Coroneo on Apr. 16, 2002 for OPHTHALMIC METHODS AND USES features the use of trypan blue to identify membranes and structures within the eye. U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,769 issued to Holmen on Mar. 18, 2003 for METHOD FOR USE IN CATARACT SURGERY features the use of active agents to destroy epithelial cells during cataract surgery and provides for a dye accompanying the active agents to assist the surgeon in visualizing the active agents during introduction and subsequent removal of the active agents and the dye. The existing surgical methods are primarily focused on enhancing the surgeon's ability of visualize the tissues, are short term methods, and are not directed towards cosmetic surgery. Colored implants are known in eye surgery (see US20060036318 A1 to Foulkes published Feb. 16, 2006 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,337 B2 to Carriazo May 2, 2006). Staining a cornea in a healthy eye is also known (WO1995003017 to Robbins, et al., published Feb. 2, 1995). Surgical contrast staining is discussed in medical literature, such as Jacobs, et al., “Capsule Staining as an Adjunct to Cataract Surgery” Ophthalmology, Volume 113, Number 4, April 2006.

The inventor, an ophthalmologic surgeon, has recognized a need for an improved cosmetic eye coloring system that does not introduce the risks of eye tattooing, implanting, or corneal modification. In order to meet those needs, and to solve related problems, the inventor has developed the novel eye coloring system of the present invention.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide an eye coloring system that will be safe. A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that enables coloring of the sclera, the surfaces of the conjunctiva, the anterior surface of the iris, as well as the safe coloring of the subconjunctival space. A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that does not include lasers, implants, or corneal modification. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides A method for coloring of a surface of an eye tissue including the steps of: drying the surface of such eye tissue to be colored; applying a colorant to at least a portion of the dried surface of such eye tissue to be colored; and drying the colorant on the at least the portion of the dried surface of such eye tissue to be colored. The method, further including a step of distributing the colorant in a predetermined pattern when applying the colorant. The method, further including the step of applying a plurality of colorants after the step of applying the colorant. The method, further including predecessor steps of: anesthetizing such eye with at least one of a topical anesthetic, a retro bulbar anesthesia, and a peribulbar anesthesia; securing such eyelids in a spaced-apart relationship using an eyelid speculum; and providing additional magnification of a portion of such eye tissue to be colored. The method, where the eye tissue to be colored includes an iris, the method further including further predecessor steps of: constricting a pupil of such eye using one of a pre-operative miotic and an intra-operative miotic; making first and second incisions into the anterior chamber of such eye on opposite sides of the cornea of such eye; removing residual aqueous from the angle of the anterior chamber proximate such edge of such pupil using a cannula, while avoiding damage to other intraocular structures; and inflating such anterior chamber with a blowing gas. The method, further including successor steps of: exchanging the blowing gas with balanced salt solution; providing intraocular pressure in the physiologic range; applying at least one of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to such eye; and removing the eyelid speculum. The method, where the step of providing intraocular pressure is accomplished with a single cannula. The method, where the step of exchanging the blowing gas with balanced salt solution is accomplished with a single cannula. The method, further including successor steps of: applying at least one of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to such eye; and removing the eyelid speculum. The method, where the colorant is sterile. The method, where the coloring is a sterile procedure.

A method of coloring an iris including the steps of: accessing such iris; drying a portion of such iris of such eye by concurrently infusing a blowing gas and aspirating the blowing gas at a rate the maintains inflation of such eye but does not over-inflate such eye; applying colorant to such iris of such eye; drying the applied colorant; closing the access to such iris. The method of coloring an iris, where concurrently infusing a blowing gas and aspirating the blowing gas is accomplished with a single cannula. The method of coloring an iris, where the step of accessing such iris includes: anesthetizing such eye with at least one of a topical anesthetic, a retro bulbar anesthesia, and a peribulbar anesthesia; securing such eyelids in a spaced-apart relationship using an eyelid speculum; providing additional magnification of a portion of such iris to be colored; constricting the pupil of such eye using one of a pre-operative miotic and an intra-operative miotic; making first and second incisions into the anterior chamber of such eye on opposite sides of the cornea of such eye; and removing residual aqueous from the angle of the anterior chamber proximate such edge of such pupil using a cannula, while avoiding damage to other intraocular structures. The method of coloring an iris where the concurrently infusing a blowing gas and aspirating the blowing gas is accomplished with a single cannula through one of the first incision and the second incision. The method of coloring an iris, where the step of closing such access to such iris includes the steps of: exchanging the blowing gas with balanced salt solution; providing intraocular pressure in the physiologic range; applying at least one of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to such eye; and removing the eyelid speculum.

A method of coloring the iris including the steps of: anesthetizing such eye with at least one of a topical anesthetic, a retro bulbar anesthesia, and a peribulbar anesthesia; securing such eyelids in a spaced-apart relationship using an eyelid speculum; providing additional magnification of a portion of such iris to be colored; constricting the pupil of such eye using one of a pre-operative miotic and an intra-operative miotic; making first and second incisions into the anterior chamber of such eye on opposite sides of the cornea of such eye; removing residual aqueous from the angle of the anterior chamber proximate such edge of such pupil using a cannula, while avoiding damage to other intraocular structures; drying a portion of such iris of such eye by concurrently infusing a blowing gas and aspirating the blowing gas at a rate the maintains inflation of such eye but does not over-inflate such eye; applying colorant to such iris of such eye; drying the applied colorant; exchanging the blowing gas with balanced salt solution; providing intraocular pressure in the physiologic range; applying antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops to such eye; removing the eyelid speculum. The method, where the step of accessing such iris includes inflation of a space between such iris and an anterior chamber. The method, where the inflation uses a mixture of gases. The method, where the concurrently infusing a blowing gas and aspirating the blowing gas is accomplished with a single cannula through one of the first incision and the second incision.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1shows a side elevation cross-sectional view illustrating relevant portions of an eye100as a reference. The front of the eye100is surrounded by the conjunctiva102, which covers the cornea108and the sclera104. Between the conjunctiva102and the sclera104or cornea108is the subconjunctival space103. Normally, the subconjunctival space103is very narrow and contains a thin layer of fluid. Behind the cornea108lies the anterior chamber110, normally filled with an aqueous humour. The iris112is a sphincter surrounding the pupil118. The iris112regulates the amount of light that moves through the pupil118to the lens114. Lens114is encapsulated and the capsule is suspended in place by the suspensory ligaments116. The suspensory ligaments116and the iris112are maintained in position by the ciliary body120. The posterior chamber122is located behind the iris112. Just beyond the cornea108and near the ciliary body120is the trabecular meshwork124.

FIG. 2shows a process flow diagram illustrating an improved eye-coloring system200, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The step202includes providing necessary materials and instruments for the following steps. Depending on the method300,400,500,600, or800to be followed, the following materials and instruments may be needed: topical anesthetic eye drops; injectable ophthalmic anesthesia; intraocular miotic; pilocarpine eye drops; antibiotic eye drops; anti-inflammatory eye drops; cotton tip applicators; ophthalmic operating microscope; surgical loupes; eyelid speculum; ocular sponges; sterile gauzes; compressed gas, commercially available tank or handheld can; coloring agents, various types; paint brush; ophthalmic lacrimal probe(s); syringes; needles, various sizes; ocular cannulas, various sizes; ophthalmic scissors; ophthalmic forceps; ophthalmic sutures, various sizes and materials; ophthalmic cautery, various kinds; surgical glue; sterile ophthalmic drape; cataract removal machine (phacoemulsification (“phaco”) machine); sterile tubing for above machine; infusion/aspiration probe for above machine; and balanced salt solution. Following step202, any one particular step300,400,500,600, or800, or any combination of two or more of steps300,400,500,600, or800, may be performed. Each of these steps300,400,500,600, or800will be described in more detail below. Step700is a generalization of the surface-coloring steps300,500,600, and800. Some inadvertent surface coloring may occur in step400. Surface coloring may include surface coating. Step204includes equipment cleaning, disposal of surgical waste, putting away unused portions of colorant, and other steps needed to secure the medical facility and provide post-surgical care for the patient.

FIG. 3shows a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method300of coloring the external surface of the conjunctiva102as part of an improved eye-coloring system200, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step302includes identification of the area of the external surface of the conjunctiva102to be colored, selection of any pattern that may be used, and selection of the colors to be used. Step302may also include testing for allergic reaction to any of the colorants selected. In step304, the eye100is anesthetized in ways known in the art of ophthalmic surgery. Minimally intrusive anesthetic methods are preferred, but consideration of patient allergies and sensitivities is also important. Preferably, a topical anesthetic, such as tetracaine 1% is used in step304. A deeper anesthesia may be developed by soaking a cotton-tipped applicator and then placing the soaked swab in contact with the conjunctiva102for a time. In step306, the eyelids are secured in an open, or spaced apart, position using an eyelid speculum.

The selected portion of the surface of the conjunctiva102is dried in step308, using a sponge or blown dry gas. The dry gas may be a single gas, such as nitrogen, or a mixture of gasses, such as air. In step310, sterile colorant is applied to the dried external surface of the conjunctiva102. Application of the sterile colorant may be by any type of applicator including, without limitation, droppers, swabs, brushes, pens, and sprayers. A stencil may be used during step310. Colorants, because they are being introduced to the eye100, are preferably sterile. In step312, the colorant is dried on the external surface of the conjunctiva102. Step312may include removing excess colorant by sponge and then using blown dry gas to dry the colorant. Once the colorant has dried312, the eyelids are released by removal of the eyelid speculum in step314. Antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory drops may be given in step316either after the eyelid speculum is removed, as shown, or before the eyelid speculum is removed. Step318may include a period of observation for any sensitivity, and verification that eyesight has not been impaired.

Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will appreciate that various colorants may be applied to various portions of the external surface of the conjunctiva102to form patterns. Likewise, those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will appreciate that the colorants may be permanent, such as inks used in tattooing, or temporary, such as food coloring.

The method300of the present invention is novel as compared to eye tattooing, in that it requires no penetrations of the conjunctiva102. The method300of the present invention is novel as compared to surgical contrast dying in that method300may be permanent and is cosmetic.

FIG. 4shows a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method400of suspending colorant in the subconjunctival space103as part of an improved eye-coloring system200, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step402includes identification of the area of the external surface of the conjunctiva102to be colored, selection of any pattern that may be used, and selection of the colors to be used. Step402may also include testing for allergic reaction to any of the colorants selected. In step304, the eye100is anesthetized in ways described above. In step306, the eyelids are secured in an open position using an eyelid speculum. In step404, the sterile colorant solution is prepared by, for example, dilution with a balanced salt solution to achieve the desired color saturation. The prepared colorant is drawn into a syringe in step406having an approximately 30-gauge needle and slowly injected into the subconjunctival space103at a single site in step408. While the colorant is being injected, pressure is applied410with a cotton-tipped applicator or equivalent, to pressure the prepared colorant solution to move within the subconjunctival space103to spread the colorant solution completely through the subconjunctival space103or to form a pattern in the subconjunctival space103. The steps404,406,408, and410may be repeated for various colors in the course of one step400. Once the colorant has been positioned, the eyelids are released by removal of the eyelid speculum in step314. Antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory drops may be given in step316either after the eyelid speculum is removed, as shown, or before the eyelid speculum is removed. Step412may include a period of observation for any sensitivity, and verification that eyesight has not been impaired. Subconjunctival space103is an intraocular space.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that suspending colorant in the subconjunctival space103may cause coloration of the internal surface of the conjunctiva102and of the outer surface of the sclera104. If the colorant used contains various pigments that are taken up differentially by the internal surface of the conjunctiva102and the outer surface of the sclera104, interesting results may be obtained. In a particular embodiment of the method, a first colored pattern may be established in the subconjunctival space103as a background, and a second colored pattern may be established on the external surface of the conjunctiva102as a foreground image, with the combination producing striking results. For example, and without limitation, a sun-ray pattern in gold, with smooth reflective particles in the gold colorant may be established in the subconjunctival space103and a pale blue colorant may be established on the external surface of the conjunctiva102, creating one visual effect (from the perspective of another) in bright light and another visual effect in dim light. Those of skill in the art of color overlays, enlightened by this disclosure, will appreciate the vast number of overlay patterns that may be achieved on the human eye100.

The method400of the present invention is novel as compared to eye tattooing, in that it requires only one needle insertion for each colored area, and not the 40 needle insertions used in tattooing. The method400of the present invention is novel as compared to surgical contrast dying in that method400may be permanent and is cosmetic.

FIG. 5shows a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method500of coloring the sclera104as part of an improved eye-coloring system200, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step502includes identification of the area of the external surface of the sclera104to be colored, selection of any pattern that may be used, and selection of the colors to be used. Step502may also include testing for allergic reaction to any of the colorants selected. In step304, the eye100is anesthetized in ways described above. In some embodiments, standard retro bulbar or peribulbar anesthesia may be used similar to other eye surgeries. In step306, the eyelids are secured in an open position using an eyelid speculum. In step504, the physician employs a surgical microscope to more precisely observe steps506,508,509,312, and510. In step506, the conjunctiva102is dissected to expose the portion of the surface of the sclera104to be colored. Step506may be accomplished using Westcot scissors with forceps or equivalent surgical technique. In step508, the surface of the sclera104to be colored is dried, using a sponge or blown dry gas. In step509, sterile colorant is applied to the dried surface of the sclera104and then the colorant is dried in step312, as discussed more fully above. After the colorant has dried509, the conjunctiva102is closed510over the site or sites using standard ophthalmic techniques, such as suturing, cautery, medical glue, and the like. Once the conjunctiva102has been closed510, the eyelids are released by removal of the eyelid speculum in step314. Antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory drops may be given in step316either after the eyelid speculum is removed, as shown, or before the eyelid speculum is removed314. Step512includes all steps necessary to verify the finished procedure and to secure the surgical environment. A colorant may be a stain or a surface coating.

Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present invention, will appreciate the vast number of combinations of techniques that may be employed. For example, and without limitation, a colored background or pattern may be first established on the sclera104using method500. After the sclera104has healed, a colorant that is at least partially transparent but which contains smooth reflective particles may be suspended in the subconjunctival space103using method400, and a colored pattern may be established on the front surface of the conjunctiva102to provide a decorative cosmetic effect.

The method500is novel as compared to eye tattooing because the method of coloring the sclera500disclosed herein does not require penetration of the sclera108.

FIG. 6shows a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method600of coloring the iris112as part of an improved eye-coloring system200, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Step602includes identification of the area of the external surface of the iris112to be colored, selection of any pattern that may be used, and selection of the colors to be used. Step602may also include testing for allergic reaction to any of the colorants selected. In step304, the eye100is anesthetized in ways discussed above, including standard retro bulbar or peribulbar anesthesia. In step306, the eyelids are secured in an open position using an eyelid speculum. In step604, a surgical microscope or surgical loupe is used to provide magnification. In step606, the pupil118is constricted. Preferably, the pupil118is constricted pre-operatively with pilocarpine drops. In an alternative embodiment of the method600, an interoperative miotic, such as Miochol is used for step606. In step608, first and second incisions are made into the anterior chamber110on opposite sides of the cornea108. An air bubble or dry gas is injected into the anterior chamber110to displace the aqueous humour, which is removed610from the angle of the anterior chamber110and near the edge of pupil118using a small gauge cannula. Care is exercised to avoid damage to other intraocular structures such as the lens114, the cornea108, and trabecular meshwork124. Anterior chamber110is an intraocular space.

In step612, the anterior chamber110is inflated with blown gas that is infused and aspirated to maintain a constant but not distending inflation of the anterior chamber110. A single infusion/aspiration (I/A) cannula is preferred. In other embodiments, a two-cannula approach (one for infusion, the other for aspiration) may be used.

In step613, the surface of the iris112is dried. To accomplish drying613of the iris112, a probe, or cannula, similar to those used to infuse and aspirate fluid in cataract surgery, is used to infuse dry gas into the anterior chamber110and to aspirate the dry gas at the same time. The flow rates of infusion and aspiration are regulated to maintain inflation of the anterior chamber110. A phaco machine, known in the art of ophthalmic surgery, is used to provide concurrent infusion and aspiration of gas with a single cannula in either incision. In another embodiment, the supply of dry gas may come from a commercially available tank, through a regulator coupled to the tank. In an alternate embodiment, two cannula may be used through said first and second incisions. Standard tubing may be used to connect the gas supply to the probe in the eye100. Over-inflation of the anterior chamber110, as well as under inflation of the anterior chamber110, is to be avoided. The probe is manipulated with one hand to aim the blowing dry gas onto the surface to be colored and, thereby, to dry that surface. The drying613is done only to the extent that is required, in the physician's judgment, to limit the colorant from running when applied614to the surface. Drying613should not desiccate or damage the iris112.

A colorant may be a stain or a surface coating.

In step614, the colorant is applied to at least a portion of the dried surface of the iris112. Preferably, a probe (for example, a lacrimal probe) is held in the surgeon's other hand and used to apply614the sterile colorant to the surface of the iris112. In various other embodiments, various types of probes that are operable to apply sterile colorant to the surface of the iris may be used. The gas infusion probe is used to dry the colorant, in step616, immediately after it is applied. The drying of the colorant616is done only to the extent that is required, in the physician's judgment, to limit the colorant from running when the anterior chamber is filled618with balanced salt solution. Once the colorant is applied and dried, the probe is removed. The gas in the eye100is gently exchanged618with balanced salt solution to maintain inflation of the anterior chamber110, preferably using a single cannula. The intraocular pressure is maintained620and finally established in the correct physiologic range, preferably with a single cannula. In step622antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory drops are placed on the eye100, and the eyelids are released in step624by removing the eyelid speculum.

Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present invention, will appreciate the coloring and patterning schemes that may be used on an iris112, and many practical, as well as decoratively cosmetic, purposes for this invention. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present invention, will appreciate that the infusion and aspiration technique described for coloring the iris112is an alternate technique for coloring the inside surface of the conjunctiva102and/or the outside surface of the sclera104, by inflating the subconjunctival space103and applying colorant to the interior of the inflated area.

Steps304and306are generic predecessor steps to various eye-coloring methods300,400,500,600,700, and800. Step604may be used in other methods300,400,500,700, and800, as needed. Steps606,608,610and612are specific predecessor steps to coloring the iris600. Steps613,614, and616are essential steps for the coloring the iris600and, in generic form, are essential to eye coloring methods300,500,600,700, and800. Steps618and620are successor steps specific to coloring the iris600. Steps622and624are successor steps generic to multiple eye-coloring methods300,400,500,600,700, and800.

Method600is novel as compared to eye tattooing because the method of coloring iris600disclosed herein does not require penetration of the iris112.

FIG. 7shows a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary general method700of coloring a surface of the eye100as part of an improved eye-coloring system200, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The coloration of any eye surface begins with preparatory step702, which subsumes the preparatory steps302,502,602, and802. Steps304perform the same function throughout, although there are different specific techniques for different levels of invasiveness of the procedure. Steps306are the same throughout, although none require any particular model or type of eyelid speculum. Each method300,400,500,600, and800requires gaining surgical access704to the surface to be colored. The complexity of this step varies with the method300,400,500,600, or800, but all methods require gaining access704. In each method300,500,600, and800, the surface to be colored must be dried706. In method400, a portion of the colorant may adhere to the interior surface of the conjunctiva102and to the outer surface of the sclera104. In any event, the facing surfaces of the sclera104and conjunctiva102are accessed in method400even if only to create the subconjunctival space103that holds the colorant. Step706subsumes various drying techniques, including those described above relating to steps308,508,612, and804such as blown gas, sponge, or blotter techniques. Step706is not used in method400. Step708subsumes steps310(used in method300,500, and800) and614, as well as various additional application techniques appropriate to this invention. Step710subsumes steps312(used in method300,500, and800) and616, as well as various additional colorant drying techniques appropriate to this invention. In step712, access to the surface is closed. Step712subsumes steps314,510,618&620, and806, as well as various additional closure techniques appropriate to this invention. Step316performs the same function throughout methods300,400,500,600, and800, although the particular type, composition, and concentration of antibiotic drops or anti-inflammatory drops may vary. Step314performs the same function throughout methods300,400,500,600, and800. Step710has the same function as steps318,412,512,626, and804, although the particulars may vary.

Method700is novel as compared to eye tattooing because the colorant is applied to a surface, rather than injected.

FIG. 8shows a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method800of coloring the internal surface of the conjunctiva102as part of an improved eye-coloring system200, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preparatory step802is similar to the preparations in step502, with the possible exception of the selection of colorant type. Steps304and306are discussed above under method500. In step504, magnification is provided for improving visualization of the site. In step506, the conjunctiva102is dissected and laid open to show its underside. The surface of the underside of the conjunctiva102is dried, in step804, using blown dry gas or a sponge. In step805, sterile colorant is applied to the interior, or underside, surface of the conjunctiva102. The colorant is then dried in step312, using gently blown dry gas and optionally, a sponge or blotter. The conjunctiva102is closed in step806, using known surgical closures. Steps314and step316are as previously described. The method ends with step808, which may include verification of the patient's eyesight and securing the surgical environment. A colorant may be a stain or a surface coating.

Method800is an improvement over eye tattooing because it enables coloring only the interior surface of the conjunctiva102and does not require40needle insertions.

All of the methods300,400,500,600,700, and800are improvements over surgical contrast coloring because surgical contrast coloring is not permanent, patterned, or cosmetic. All of the methods300,400,500,600,700, and800are distinct from tattooing an ossified cornea108, because the methods300,400,500,600,700, and800can be used on eyes100that are not blind and do not modify the cornea108. All of the methods300,400,500,600,700, and800are preferably sterile procedures and are steps of improved eye-coloring system200. The steps of each method300,400,500,600,700, and800are preferably used in combination and in order to achieve the desired results. Each method300,400,500,600,700, and800engages colorant on natural surfaces of the eye100and none require destruction or removal of eye tissues.

Although the present inventor has described his preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as variations in the patterns and colors as well as some variation in ophthalmic surgical equipment and supplies. For example, and without limitation, the teachings of this disclosure may be applied to mammalian eyes generally. Likewise, the teachings of this disclosure may be applied for cosmetic surgery to recover normal appearance lost to accident or diseases of the eye. Further, the teachings of this disclosure may be applied to identification markings, such as may be colored onto the conjunctiva102inside the lower eyelid. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.