Recently, The Huffington Post reported that a teacher in Japan, identified as Mr. Y, had spotted a couple of teenage students licking each other's eyeballs. Upon further survey of the students, he discovered that up to one-third of the students in his school admitted to the new trend known as "worming."
The fad involves licking other's eyeballs for erotic gratifications, some say. Needless to say, many teens in Japan at least have been practicing such activity.
According to ophthalmologist Dr. Robert Noecker, "Eyes are very sensitive part of body and eyeballs give good sensation. That's why teens love it." He further said, "the cornea is the most innervated part of the body and that is why it might feel good to have it licked."
Dr. Noecker feels very much concerned over this new trend. This is because the activity can cause many complications to the eyes.
One of the common risks of Oculolinctus --what this fad is called-- is infection. The mouth is full of different kinds of bacteria. One such hazard comes from people with halitosis or bad breath. If a person with halitosis licks another person's eyeball, the bacteria can cause a serious infection to the eye which is much more sensitive than most body parts.
Another risk of "worming" is the spread of herpes. The cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the highly contagious herpes simplex virus. If the person licking the other's eyeball has a cold sore or herpes, the cornea of the other person may develop scars and eventually lead to blindness.
Corneal ulcer is another feared result of "worming". This is when the outer layer of the cornea develops a an open sore or an erosion. This is caused by a bacterial infection, fungus, or a parasite-- all of which can be transferred through worming. The inflammation may also be caused by the abrasions caused by the contact with the ridges of the tongue. Corneal ulcer often leads to blurry vision, pain, itching,, bloodshot eyes, white patches on the cornea, and even blindness.
So far, the trend has not hit the United States. However, doctors hope that teen Americans may be well informed of the consequences of such practice to avoid emulating their Japanese counterparts.
Dr. Robert Cykiert, an associate professor in the department of ophthalmology in New York University Langone Medical Center suggests "sticking with hand holding and kissing, stuff that's been around for millions of years."
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