It is also used for cosmetic reasons as a permanent alternative to colored contact lenses.
Even so, the procedure may not be covered by insurance.
Can You Permanently Change Your Eye Color?
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Eye color change surgery is also used for purely aesthetic reasons and comes with considerable risks.
Is Eye Color Change Surgery Safe?
Each eye color change surgery procedure carries risks, including the potential for reduced vision and blindness.
It is essential to discuss potential risks with your ophthalmology team.
There are medical indications for iris implants, and the benefits may outweigh the risks in these situations.
Keratopigmentation uses lasers to create a series of circular tunnels of uniform depth in the cornea.
A color dye is then injected into the tunnels.
Robotic lasers ensure a more even color distribution than older “needle-puncture” techniques.
Keratopigmentation is done with anesthetic eye drops to numb the eyes.
The procedure may be uncomfortable but causes little, if any, pain.
Risks
Despite the accuracy of this technique, keratopigmentation is not without risks.
Other complications can arise after the procedure.
Additionally, the long-term risks of keratopigmentation are unknown.
Most people can function normally within two to three days.
Full recovery and healing can take anywhere from one to three weeks.
Expect minor discomfort on the first day, followed by sensitivity to bright lights for up to three days.
Laser Depigmentation
While laser keratopigmentation is an additive procedure, laser depigmentation is a subtractive procedure.
Laser depigmentation is performed over a series of sessions.
The laser beams pass through the cornea without causing any injury.
The procedure, performed with anesthetic eyedrops, is said to be painless.
Compared to the other eye color change techniques, laser depigmentation gives the impression of less problematic.
Risks include:
Laser depigmentation is contraindicated in people with glaucoma.
The change in eye color with laser depigmentation is not immediate.
If iritis occurs, it tends to be brief, causing headaches, abnormal pupils, and light sensitivity.
It is performed as an outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic.
Most iris implants are available in stock colors such as blue, green, brown, and black.
People who desire color change in one eye may order customized iris to match the other eye.
The silicone iris is folded and inserted through the incision.
The prosthetic is then unfolded and sutured into position over the natural iris.
Some of the most serious complications include:
Iris implants are contraindicated in people with glaucoma anddiabetic retinopathy.
It is not uncommon for your vision to remain slightly blurry for the first week or so.
A protective eye patch may be needed to prevent you from touching or scratching the eye while you sleep.
Recovery time can range anywhere from two to eight weeks.
How Much Does Eye Color Change Surgery Cost?
Prices vary significantly by providers, ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 or more for both eyes.
Iris Implants:The FDA has not approved this procedure for any reason other than treating certain medical conditions.
However, some individuals choose to travel overseas to undergo iris implants.
Colored contact lenses are the easiest option.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology issued a statement in August 2024 addressing their concerns.
The drops are not FDA-approved and claim to work by altering melanin levels in the iris.
Side effects of eye-color-changing drops include infection, inflammation, and vision loss.
Can Eye Color Change Over Time?
Eye colors will usually remain the same throughout a person’s life.
However, for some, melanin levels can change as they get older, making their eyes seem lighter.
This is harmless and nothing to be worried about.
However, several medical conditions can cause your eye color to change spontaneously.
Summary
Several procedures can permanently change your eye color.
Laser keratopigmentation “tattoos” the cornea to conceal the underlying iris.
Laser depigmentation removes pigment-producing cells covering the iris to reveal the blue or green color underneath.
Iris implant surgery covers your natural iris with a soft silicone prosthetic.
These procedures carry possible risks, some of which may be serious.
None are FDA-approved for cosmetic purposes.
2021;69(12):3526-3531.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.American Academy of Ophthalmology issues warning on the dangers of eye color-changing procedures.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cosmetic iris implants carry risk of permanent eye damage, vision loss.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Why are my eyes changing color?Updated Jan 27, 2021.
