A Guide to the Different Types of Eye Piercings

Eye piercings may sound edgy and artistic, but not all piercings around the eyes are created equal or equally safe. While some, like eyebrow piercings, are relatively common and low-risk when done properly, others, such as eyelid or eyeball piercings, come with significant health concerns, including the risk of nerve damage or even vision loss.

Here’s what to know about the different types of eye-area piercings, including how they’re done, how to care for them, and the complications you’ll want to consider before booking your appointment.

Common Types of Eye-Area Piercings

While exact data on eye-area piercings is limited, these are some of the most recognizable types:

1. Eyebrow Piercing

• What it is: A needle is inserted vertically or horizontally through the eyebrow.

• Healing time: About 6–8 weeks.

• Risk level: Low. Though close to the eye, eyebrow piercings generally don’t impact vision.

• Potential complications: Infection, swelling, jewelry snags, or, in rare cases, swelling that extends to the eyelid or cheek.

2. Anti-Eyebrow Piercing

• What it is: A dermal or surface piercing below the outer corner of the eye.

• Healing time: 6–12 weeks.

• Risk level: Moderate. Since it's a surface piercing, there's a higher risk of rejection or migration.

• Potential complications: Scarring, irritation, or jewelry rejection.

3. Bridge Piercing

• What it is: A horizontal piercing across the bridge of the nose, between the eyes.

• Healing time: 8–12 weeks.

• Risk level: Moderate.

• Potential complications: Swelling, bruising, and pressure on the sinuses or surrounding tissues. Rarely, it may impact nasal structure if not done properly.

4. Third-Eye Piercing

• What it is: A dermal piercing placed vertically in the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows.

• Healing time: 6–12 weeks.

• Risk level: Moderate.

• Potential complications: Risk of migration or rejection, especially since it's a high-movement area (think facial expressions, makeup removal, or sleeping).

5. Eyelid Piercing

• What it is: A piercing that passes through the upper or lower eyelid, usually adorned with a small ring.

• Healing time: Highly variable and rarely recommended.

• Risk level: High. The proximity to the eyeball raises the risk of serious complications.

• Potential complications: Scratched cornea, infection, nerve damage, difficulty blinking, and intense pain from snags.

6. Eyeball Piercing

• What it is: A jewelry implant inserted into the white of the eye (sclera).

• Risk level: Extremely high.

• Status: Not recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology due to extreme safety risks.

• Potential complications: Blindness, severe bleeding, puncture wounds, infections, and long-term eye damage.

General Complications of Eye-Area Piercings

Regardless of location, any piercing carries a risk of:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Allergic reactions, especially to certain metals

• Nerve damage

• Scarring or keloids

• Jewelry migration or rejection

People with underlying conditions (like diabetes or bleeding disorders), compromised immune systems, or skin sensitivities should consult a healthcare provider before getting pierced.

Choosing Safe Jewelry

To reduce the risk of complications, experts recommend using biocompatible materials, including:

• Surgical steel (ASTM F-138 or ISO 10993-compliant)

• Implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136)

• Niobium

• Nickel-free 14K gold or higher

• Platinum

• Glass

• Biocompatible polymers

Proper sizing is just as important as material jewelry that’s too large may irritate the skin, while pieces that are too small can embed into tissue.

When to Avoid Eye Piercings

You should postpone or avoid eye-area piercings if you:

• Have uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, or heart conditions

• Are pregnant

• Have irritated skin, active acne, or wounds at the piercing site

• Take medications that impair healing

• Have a history of keloid formation or poor healing

Best Practices for Aftercare

Regardless of the type of eye piercing, follow these general aftercare guidelines:

• Wash hands before touching the piercing

• Clean with saline solution once or twice a day

• Avoid alcohol-based or harsh cleansers

• Let it breathe don’t cover it or apply ointments that trap bacteria

• Be mindful of snags, especially when dressing, washing your face, or sleeping

• Never twist or rotate the jewelry unless directed by your piercer

Should You Get an Eyeball Piercing?

While dermal and surface piercings near the eye may appeal to body art enthusiasts, eyeball piercings are widely discouraged by medical professionals. The risks simply outweigh any potential aesthetic benefit.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, even medically supervised eye procedures (like corneal transplants) carry strict precautions so intentionally piercing the eye itself introduces unnecessary and extreme danger.

The Bottom Line

Eye piercings can be bold and artistic but they’re not risk-free. Understanding the placement, healing process, and potential complications of each type can help you make an informed decision. When in doubt, consult a licensed piercer with experience in facial or dermal piercings, and prioritize health over aesthetics.

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