HOENIX (AZFamily) — Scroll through social media, and you’ll see lots of people raving out eye color changing surgeries.
“People are going outside the country to change their eye color, believe it or not,” said Dr. Emilio Justo, a board-certified ophthalmologist. “It’s important to realize none of these procedures, zero, are FDA-approved.”
There are three procedures that can change the eye color. One uses a laser to burn away brown pigment. “When you’re lasering the iris, you are creating this pigment dispersion that can lead to chronic uveitis, inflammation, and glaucoma,” said Dr. Justo.
Another procedure is called keratopigmentation, basically corneal tattooing, which involves injecting dye into the eye. The third is an iris implant. “An iris implant is basically a silicone disk that’s inserted inside the eye,” said. Dr. Justo. “These are used under FDA approval under certain congenital, birth-related medical conditions.”
The American Academy of Ophthalmology issued a warning about the procedures being used for cosmetic reasons. “They do not recommend doing any of these procedures because of the potential for serious side effects that can, in some cases, be permanent,” Dr. Justo cautioned. “The eye is a very sensitive organ. Why take unnecessary risks?”
The obvious and safer alternative is colored contacts. If you decide to get colored contact lenses, make sure you are fitted by an eye care professional. Avoid knockoffs and costume lenses.
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