Risks of the Procedures to Change the Color of Your Eyes

Procedures to change the color of your eyes and their risks

Currently there are 3 big groups of procedures to permanently change the eye color. All of them carry risks, which is why it is important to ask an ophthalmologist before undergoing any of them:

• Eyedrops. There are some eye drops—which are not always approved—that claim to adjust melanin levels in the iris. However, damaging or destroying the pigmented cells in the iris could cause light sensitivity, eye inflammation, infections, increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, or eventually vision loss.
• Iris implant. An artificial silicone iris is inserted to cover the natural one. This surgical procedure is intended for people who are missing part of their iris. It can also cause increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma, cataracts, corneal damage, and sensitivity to light, as well as vision loss or even blindness.
• Cheratopigmentation. It is typically performed using a laser to deposit pigment into the part of the cornea that covers the iris. This procedure is also intended for people who are missing part of their iris, which affects their vision. It carries a serious risk of vision loss due to eye infections or corneal distortions. It can also cause inflammation or uveitis.