Locations:
Search IconSearch
August 21, 2024/Health Conditions/Eye Care

The Dangers of Eye Color-Change Surgery

Cosmetic procedures such as iris implants and corneal tattooing bring a risk of vision loss

Up close eyes of different colors

What color are your eyes? The answer for some appears to be “the wrong color” — and they want to do something about it.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Interest in surgeries to change eye color is surging thanks to trending social media posts showing dramatic transformations. Goodbye, boring brown eyes! Hello, stunning aquamarine peepers!

But before taking out a color wheel to find your perfect hue, know that you may get more than just a new look from these procedures. You may also end up with vision problems.

We talked to ophthalmologist Nicole Bajic, MD, about the risks.

Is eye color-change surgery safe?

It’s safe to say eye color-changing procedures raise some concerns.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) issued a warning in 2024 about the dangers of surgery to change the color of your eyes. The call for caution emphasized that the procedures bring a risk of vision loss and other complications.

“We do not recommend these sorts of procedures,” stresses Dr. Bajic. “A lot can go wrong for something done purely for cosmetic reasons. It’s not worth the risk.”

No eye color-change procedure has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), she adds. Some medical practices in the United States offer the service, however, as an “off-label” option outside of sanctioned practice.

Eye color-change surgery is also performed in other countries around the world.

Advertisement

Procedures to change eye color

Different procedures take different approaches to changing eye color. Let’s look at the three most common options and the risks of each.

Iris implant surgery

The color of your peepers is determined by your iris, a layered ring of muscle tissue around the pupil in each of your eyes. Change your iris and you change your eye color.

During an iris implant, an artificial iris made of silicone is placed over your existing iris to give your eyes a new shade. The implant is inserted through a slit cut into your eye near your cornea.

“I have yet to hear of someone doing well from one of these cosmetic implants,” states Dr. Bajic.

Risks of the procedure include:

  • Glaucoma from elevated pressure inside the eye. This can be potentially blinding.
  • Infection and inflammation that can cause pain and blurred vision.
  • Cataracts.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Damage to the cornea.

The FDA has approved iris implants for medical reasons, such as a damaged or missing iris. That procedure comes with the same risks noted. But the difference is the surgery is done to improve compromised vision — not for prettier eyes.

Laser pigmentation removal

A pigment called melanin gives the iris color. The more melanin you have, the darker your eyes will be, explains Dr. Bajic. People with brown eyes have lots of melanin. People with blue eyes have less.

Laser pigmentation removal can change the appearance of eyes by releasing layers of melanin to reveal lighter colors beneath.

“But one of the big risks in releasing all of that pigment is that it can clog up drains inside the eye,” explains Dr. Bajic. “That can lead to a buildup of pressure that can cause glaucoma and vision loss.”

There are also no guarantees on your final eye color, as the resulting shade depends on the remaining levels of melanin.

Keratopigmentation

Much of the social media buzz around eye color changing involves keratopigmentation, also known as corneal tattooing.

In this procedure, a needle or laser is used to create channels in the cornea, shares Dr. Bajic. Pigment is then injected into this space to give your eyes a new color. (In essence, you’re changing the color above your iris.)

Risks of the surgery include:

  • Corneal damage that can cause impaired vision or even vision loss.
  • An adverse reaction to the dye, resulting in uveitis and other forms of inflammation. Leakage of the dye also has been an issue.
  • Infection resulting in scarring to the cornea.
  • Lifelong difficulty examining into the eyes.

Is there a safe way to change eye color?

There is a way to change the color of your eyes WITHOUT resorting to surgery. Colored contact lenses can give your peepers a makeover without the use of any lasers, incisions or dye injections.

Advertisement

But be wary of “costume” or novelty contacts, warns Dr. Bajic. These non-prescription contact lenses can scratch your cornea and infect your eye.

Talk to your eye doctor if you’re interested in colored contacts to get fitted for a pair, then wear them as prescribed. “Getting colored contacts can give you the look you want without putting your eye health at risk,” she reinforces.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Health Library
Eye Colors

Related Articles

Close up of half a person's face with puffy under eye bag
September 30, 2024/Eye Care
Puffy Eyes? How To Get Rid of Eye Bags

Apply a cold compress, use antihistamine eye drops and limit salt to help reduce puffiness

Close up of hazel-colored eye
August 27, 2024/Eye Care
20 Fascinating Facts About Eyes

It takes millions of moving parts within the eye to make the power of vision possible

Oversized germs and a giant eye with red in the sclera
August 26, 2024/Eye Care
COVID-19 and Pink Eye Are Possibly Connected

Studies have shown an increase in ophthalmic complications as a symptom of COVID-19

Hand holding plastic contact lens tweezer with contact in it, with contact lens container on table
August 23, 2024/Eye Care
What Happens When You Sleep With Your Contacts In?

Even napping with contacts in can lead to eye infections, lens displacement and dry eyes

Young toddler having an eye examine
August 9, 2024/Eye Care
Eye Spy: Why You Should Test Your Preschooler’s Vision Early

Genetic eye diseases and other conditions that impact your vision can develop in infancy and improve with early treatment

Person holding contact lenses case in one hand and glasses in the other hand
August 1, 2024/Eye Care
Contacts vs. Glasses: Which Is Best for You?

Both have pros and cons, but ultimately it’s a personal decision only you can make

An irritated, red eye
July 15, 2024/Eye Care
Why Your Eyes Are Always Red (and How To Fix Them)

Peepers get pink for lots of reasons, from allergies to closed-angle glaucoma

Adult receiving eye drops from a healthcare provider
May 10, 2024/Eye Care
When Is It Too Late To Treat Lazy Eye?

While it’s best to fix amblyopia during childhood, it can also be addressed as an adult

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad