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Eye whitening has become a procedure provided by only a few ophthalmologists. It carries high risk because portions of the conjunctiva (the loose layer over the white portion of the eye) is removed, and a chemotherapeutic (mitomycin C, “MMC”) agent is applied. MMC when used properly is a useful agent to use in ocular and periocular surgeries to include: pterygium removal, glaucoma surgery, and recurrent scarring issues of the tear drain system. Even when used properly it, however, can lead to persistent non-healing defects of the cornea and conjunctiva and can even lead to scleral and corneal melt. These more severe complications can cause one to potentially lose their eye. A published series of nine patients (17 eyes) that had to be treated by different ophthalmologist following eye whitening procedures was published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. Dr. Burroughs has used MMC for various ocular procedures, but advises against its use for “eye whitening.” A representative picture of a scleral melt is shown below.

Reference: Vo RC et al. Am J Ophthalmol. 2014

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