Implanting eye jewelry could be felony

Springfield, IL-Illinois ophthalmologists could face 3 years in prison under a proposed state law if they implant "eye jewelry" in a patient.

In March, a house committee on criminal law voted 11-4 to approve a bill sponsored by state Rep. Kevin Joyce (D-Worth). The state senate will consider the bill.

Joyce said he advocated the law out of health and safety concerns.

"JewelEye"-in the form of a metal crescent moon or heart-is being promoted by the Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, and it is offered in the United States by only one ophthalmologist-Robert Maloney, MD, of Los Angeles. The procedure, performed under local anesthetic, costs $610 to $1,232.