Eyelid Piercing

Eyelid Piercing: The Risks, Realities and Why It’s Rare

Eyelid piercings are among the rarest and most controversial forms of body modification. Often seen more in artistic or extreme body mod communities than in mainstream piercing culture, eyelid piercings push the boundaries of what the human body can safely tolerate. They are not commonly offered in UK studios and are typically only attempted by highly specialised body modification artists under very controlled conditions.

If you’ve seen an image online or heard about someone getting their eyelid pierced, it’s completely natural to have questions. Is it even safe? Can you blink? What about infection or damage to your vision? This guide covers everything you need to know about eyelid piercings from the anatomy involved to the risks, process and reasons why they’re rarely performed.

What Is an Eyelid Piercing?

An eyelid piercing involves placing jewellery through the upper or lower eyelid. Most examples use small, curved barbells or surface bars, and the jewellery is placed horizontally so that one end sits near the lash line and the other on the outer skin of the lid. In some cases, it’s done for aesthetic reasons. In others, it’s considered a form of extreme or experimental body art.

These piercings are not widely accepted in the professional piercing industry because of the exceptionally high risk to delicate tissue and the eye itself. For this reason, they are often seen more in performance art circles or on social media as temporary piercings for photoshoots, rather than long-term or permanent body modifications.

How Is an Eyelid Piercing Done?

Very few practitioners in the UK would be willing to perform an eyelid piercing due to the potential for harm. If it is performed, the process is delicate and dangerous. The eye must be fully protected usually by inserting a sterilised, curved eye shield underneath the eyelid to prevent the needle from damaging the eyeball.

The skin of the eyelid is then clamped and pierced horizontally with a fine, sterile needle. The jewellery is immediately inserted and secured in place. The piercing is usually performed quickly to reduce the time the eye is under pressure or risk. Because the eyelid is so thin and vascular, bleeding and swelling can occur immediately.

There is often a high risk of the piercing migrating, rejecting or causing interference with blinking, vision or tear ducts. For this reason, many of these piercings are removed within days or weeks.

Does It Hurt?

Yes, more than most people would expect. The eyelid contains sensitive nerve endings and is a highly mobile, delicate area. The piercing itself is quick, but the discomfort can be intense. Swelling, bruising and tenderness often follow, and any inflammation near the eye can be particularly uncomfortable due to blinking and constant movement.

Even if the piercing goes smoothly, the healing process can be irritating. Swollen lids, increased tearing and light sensitivity are all common.

Healing and Aftercare

Healing an eyelid piercing is extremely difficult. The eyelid is constantly in motion and exposed to bacteria, makeup, sweat and environmental irritants. Even with meticulous aftercare, infection is a serious concern. Any sign of redness, swelling, discharge or eye irritation must be treated urgently. It is not unusual for these piercings to be removed before they fully heal.

Cleaning must be done with extreme caution to avoid getting solution in the eye. Only sterile saline is suitable, and the jewellery must be left completely alone aside from gentle cleansing. Eye makeup and lenses should be avoided entirely during the healing period, and sleeping positions may need to be adjusted to avoid pressure on the area.

Risks and Safety Concerns

The risks of an eyelid piercing are significant and far outweigh those associated with standard facial or body piercings. These risks include:

Eye infection, which could lead to long-term damage or vision problems
Migration or rejection, often resulting in scarring
Damage to tear ducts or oil glands in the eyelid
Difficulty blinking, especially if the jewellery interferes with the lid’s natural movement
Nerve damage, bruising and prolonged swelling
Conjunctivitis or abrasions to the eye if the piercing is poorly placed

Because of these risks, the vast majority of UK piercers will not perform eyelid piercings—and they are not recognised as safe or appropriate by most professional piercing associations.

Is It Ever Suitable?

Eyelid piercings are not considered suitable for the general public. They are not recommended by any medical or professional piercing body. They’re best viewed as experimental or theatrical piercings that may be placed temporarily for artistic purposes and removed soon after.

If you’re looking for a facial piercing with a unique or edgy feel, safer alternatives include eyebrow, bridge, anti-eyebrow or temple surface piercings. These can deliver high visual impact with a far lower risk to your health and eyesight.

Why Professional Studios Avoid Eyelid Piercings

Reputable UK piercing studios follow strict health and safety regulations. They use NHS-adjacent hygiene protocols, council licensing and insurance guidelines to ensure every piercing is as safe as possible. Most will refuse to perform any modification that could endanger a client’s health and that includes eyelid piercings.

If a studio offers this service without extensive credentials, insurance or medical precautions, it should be a red flag. Piercers who operate responsibly will always put your safety above aesthetics.

Final Thoughts

Eyelid piercings are dramatic, eye-catching and undeniably rare but they carry extreme risks that few professionals are willing to take. While the visual effect might be compelling in a photograph or for a brief moment of expression, the long-term complications, pain and danger to your vision simply don’t justify the procedure for most people.

If you’re curious about alternative facial piercings or want something that stands out without compromising your safety, speak with a qualified piercer. There are many safer ways to express your style that won’t leave you risking your eyesight.