Eye Wash During Eyeliner Tattooing

This should be something routine, something each and every student should be taught when learning cosmetic tattooing, but I am still amazed, actually appalled, over how many people neglect this very important step - washing out the eye!

In all my years doing cosmetic tattooing I have not had the incidence of corneal abrasions reported by others - only one, actually, and she claims to have had several over the years since the globe of her eye is quite large and things find their way in there. She said she knew she had something in her eye but rubbed it anyway, causing the abrasion.

I have NEVER had a client with a corneal burn from anesthetic; probably because I am careful not to use an anesthetic preparation that is more than the over-the-counter legal strength, but I also irrigate the eye when a client complains of burning there from the anesthetic.

Ironically, I know of technicians who PURPOSELY anesthetize the eye so the client will NOT feel burning - this is the stupidest thing I have heard for eyeliner tattooing. If you take away sensation, what warning signs do you have that something is in there that can cause harm??

Also, saline for contact lens rinsing is just that - it is NOT meant to be used as an eye wash. Spend the few dollars more and get the real deal and keep your clients safe. Spend a few more dollars and buy empty pigment bottles to transfer the eyewash in - you can easily cover them with barrier film - the small size bottle will give you better control when irrigating the eye.