Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

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For Immediate Release: March 10, 2009


Sen. Cliff Branan

The “Eyes” Have it; Senate Approves Scleral Tattooing Ban

The full Senate has given unanimous approval to a bill that would ban a dangerous new fad—eyeball tattooing. Senator Cliff Branan is the author of Senate Bill 844, which prohibits scleral tattooing.

“Scleral tattooing involves using a needle to inject colored ink into the whites of an individual’s eyes. The problem is it can cause infection, scarring and hemorrhaging and can even lead to blindness,” explained Branan, R-Oklahoma City. “My legislation would ban this practice in Oklahoma.”

Branan said the situation was brought to his attention by ophthalmologists concerned about the trend and the permanent damage that can result from this procedure.

“This is simply too great a risk to public health. We want to make sure our laws are up-to-date and can address this practice before someone loses their vision over this fad,” Branan said.

Senate Bill 844 will next be considered by a House committee for approval.

For more information contact:
Sen. Branan's Office: 405-521-5543