Eyeball licking is a new fad among teenagers in Japan. No one knows exactly when and how the trend started, but it’s been causing a ‘pink eye’ outbreak that alarmed authorities.
Eyeball licking, various reports said, is called “oculolinctus” or “worming.” Medical experts say the craze, which many believe is a new kind of public display of affection, can cause sickness and, worse, blindness.
“This is a dangerous practice which has the potential to spread a number of bacteria that reside in the mouth to the eye resulting in bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis to styes as well as abscesses involving the lids and eye socket,” Dr. Glatter of Lenox Hill Hospital told CBS News.
Many people even outside Japan criticized the notorious practice, but there are some who said they feel pleasure in doing it. One female in an interview said she’s “turned-on” whenever her boyfriend licks her eyeballs.
However, an opthalmologist said eye infections may occur as the tounge carries a certain amount of sickness-causing bacteria.
“Nothing good can come of this. There are ridges on the tongue that can cause a corneal abrasion and if a person hasn’t washed out their mouth, they might put acid from citrus products or spices into the eye,” Dr. David Granet said.
There are other safer ways to show PDA—hugging, embracing, hands holding and kissing—but it’s really puzzling why Japanese teens prefer eyeball licking.
Eyeball licking, various reports said, is called “oculolinctus” or “worming.” Medical experts say the craze, which many believe is a new kind of public display of affection, can cause sickness and, worse, blindness.
“This is a dangerous practice which has the potential to spread a number of bacteria that reside in the mouth to the eye resulting in bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis to styes as well as abscesses involving the lids and eye socket,” Dr. Glatter of Lenox Hill Hospital told CBS News.
Many people even outside Japan criticized the notorious practice, but there are some who said they feel pleasure in doing it. One female in an interview said she’s “turned-on” whenever her boyfriend licks her eyeballs.
However, an opthalmologist said eye infections may occur as the tounge carries a certain amount of sickness-causing bacteria.
“Nothing good can come of this. There are ridges on the tongue that can cause a corneal abrasion and if a person hasn’t washed out their mouth, they might put acid from citrus products or spices into the eye,” Dr. David Granet said.
There are other safer ways to show PDA—hugging, embracing, hands holding and kissing—but it’s really puzzling why Japanese teens prefer eyeball licking.