Japanese school-aged children and teens have developed a gross but trendy practice: licking a friend or lover's eyeballs. There is a video at the end of this post.
What are the risks?
Eyeball-licking will transport moth-based bacteria into the eye causing bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis to styes as well as abscesses involving the lids and eye socket.
Eyeball licking, which is also known as "worming" or oculolinctus, has existed for quite some time, and there are numerous clips of people engaging in the act on YouTube. Japanese blog Naver Matome interviewed one concerned teacher who said that he ran into two sixth grade students licking each others' eyeballs in an equipment room. After he confronted them, they admitted it was popular in their class. His independent survey of students confirmed his fears: One-third of the children admitted to eyeball licking.
Corneal abrasions (scratches or cuts on the surface of the eye) are another risk. There's also the chance that licking the eyeball could accidentally scratch it. Abrasions can trap bacteria and cause blindness if not treated. They can also lead to scarring and permanent blurred vision.
Mouth bacteria normally does not find its way to the eye. If it gets into the eye, it is an eye health concern.
