Eyeball Tattoos, also known as sclera tattoos, are a form of body modification where the sclera, or white part of the eye, is tattooed. The process involves injecting ink beneath the conjunctiva and over the sclera. While some describe the sensation as minimal, experiences and expert warnings highlight potential risks and social considerations.
One individual who might dispute the claim of a painless procedure is Polish rapper Popek. Footage documented his eyeball tattoo procedure, where Luna Cobra, a well-known body modification artist, inked his eyes green in London. In the days following, Popek reported a painful burning sensation that disrupted his sleep. Although temporary, the incident led him to consider further tattooing to deepen the color, illustrating a commitment despite discomfort. However, opticians caution against such procedures due to the risk of eye damage and potential vision loss.
Despite the documented risks, personal accounts vary. Garth, another individual with eyeball tattoos, describes a positive social reception to her modified eyes. “It’s thinking about getting a needle in your eye that makes people say, ‘I can’t believe you did that.’ But I’ve never had anyone say my eyes look scary,” she states, suggesting that public perception can be surprisingly accepting.
However, the acceptance might differ based on the tattoo’s darkness. Luna Cobra, despite performing eyeball tattoos, advises against darker shades, particularly for those with naturally dark irises. He explains, “I try to keep people away from it, especially if they have a dark iris,” emphasizing the potential for an unsettling appearance. He estimates receiving weekly inquiries about eyeball tattoos, with many requesting black ink. Cobra warns of the social implications of such a striking modification, stating, “I tell them you’re going to look frightening forever to the majority of people you encounter. You might find people have trouble connecting with you or looking at you because they can’t follow your iris.”
Cobra stresses the importance of considering career prospects before opting for black eyeball tattoos, especially for younger individuals. He illustrates this point with the example of Barnum, who, at his sentencing in Anchorage, claimed, “I was living on the streets, and I tried to get a job, but of course my beautiful face didn’t allow me to do that,” suggesting that extreme body modifications can hinder employment opportunities.
Despite warnings from artists like Luna Cobra about potential negative reactions, many clients are intentionally seeking to shock. Some dismiss concerns, finding the idea of frightening others “cool” or simply expressing indifference to social perceptions. This highlights a spectrum of motivations behind choosing eyeball tattoos, ranging from aesthetic interest to a desire for extreme body modification, despite the inherent risks and potential social consequences.
