You can change eye colour, but this surgery has ‘92% rate of complications’

What is this surgery, and how is it done?

Dr Nita Shah, MS (BOM), Dr Agarwal Eye Hospital, Chembur, said eye colour is determined by the iris, a ring of pigmented muscle located between the cornea and the lens. “Depigmentation, also known as photoablative iridoplasty, is a procedure that lightens eye colour by reducing melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of skin, hair, and eyes,” said Dr Shah.

In this technique, a Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (YAG) laser is used for depigmentation of the iris, which results in a colour change. However, the exact colour that will result after this depigmentation cannot be predicted – some eyes turn bluish, whereas others turn greenish once the pigment is removed with the YAG laser, said Dr Sri Ganesh, chairman and managing director, Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Bangalore.

 

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Dr Malhotra explained the process in detail

Pre-operative assessment:

– Comprehensive eye examination to evaluate overall eye health.
– Detailed discussion with the surgeon about risks, benefits, and potential complications.
– Informed consent and selection of the desired eye colour.

Do doctors approve? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Surgical procedure:

– Local anesthesia is administered to numb the eyes.
– A small incision is made in the cornea.
– A folded artificial iris made of biocompatible silicone material is inserted through the incision.
– The implant is carefully unfolded and positioned over the natural iris.
– The incision is then closed, and the implant remains in place to change the eye colour.

Post-operative care:

– Use prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
– Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.
– Refrain from strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming for several weeks.
– Attend regular follow-up visits with the surgeon to monitor eye health and implant stability.
– Report any discomfort, vision changes, or redness immediately to the doctor.

Pre-surgery care:

– Avoid wearing contact lenses for a few days before the surgery.
– Disclose any medications, allergies, or previous eye conditions to the surgeon.
– Follow specific pre-operative instructions, such as fasting if required.

Do the results stay lifelong?

The implant is intended to be permanent, but can be removed if complications occur, said Dr Malhotra. “Removal can be complex and may not fully restore the original eye condition,” said Dr Malhotra. This is one of the reasons why Venkat, who wanted brown/hazel coloured eyes while growing up, said, “Surgery sounds far-fetched considering the risks and care involved. Part of the inspiration or the desire stemmed from family members who had eyes that weren’t black or deep brown. My grandmother’s eyes were grey and my cousins had hazel eyes.”

Is it safe and advisable?

No, the procedure is not considered safe, cautioned Dr Malhotra. “It poses severe risks such as vision loss, glaucoma, cataracts, corneal damage, and chronic inflammation. Many medical associations advise against it,” he said.

Dr Ganesh concurred and said that the long-term effects of the surgery are unknown. “Increased intraocular pressure can cause glaucoma and inflammation of the iris, known as iritis. This procedure is not FDA-approved,” said Dr Ganesh.

Although created for medical purposes, iris implants are not approved for cosmetic use in healthy eyes and pose several risks, said Dr Shah, and listed the risks:

Elevated intraocular pressure, potentially leading to glaucoma.
Cataract development (clouding of the natural lens).
Corneal damage, which can impair vision.
Iris inflammation, resulting in pain, blurred vision, and excessive tearing.
While the implant can be removed if necessary, the removal process has risks.

Dr Ganesh also said, “Moreover, the permanence of the pigmentation cannot be guaranteed, as it may fade over time, leading to colour changes. The effects of this procedure have not been extensively studied.”

What are the better alternatives?

For those looking to temporarily and safely change their eye colour, non-surgical options like coloured contact lenses are a better alternative, provided care is taken.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.