Surgeons issue a warning after a woman who underwent surgery to change her eye color from brown to blue revealed how the procedure changed her life.
Eye color change surgery is gaining popularity, but experts warn of severe risks. Despite the dangers, patients like Ulku Dogan and others are embracing this irreversible cosmetic procedure.
What is keratopigmentation, and how does it work
Keratopigmentation is a procedure that changes eye color by injecting pigment into the cornea. The process involves slicing into the cornea with a laser and adding dye.
Patients remain conscious under local anesthesia and can guide surgeons to achieve their desired color. This procedure takes just 30 minutes but comes with lifelong implications.
In recent years, keratopigmentation has surged in popularity. In 2019, only 15 procedures were performed annually by a leading surgeon. By 2023, that number had risen to 400.
Patients are drawn to its quick results and the allure of permanently changing their eye color. However, the risks are not widely understood.
A woman shared her experiences and risks with keratopigmentation
Ulku Dogan, a 49-year-old wealth adviser, spent $12,000 to transform her brown eyes to blue.
In an interview with Business Insider, she shared: ‘I feel confident, very happy. It’s the best investment I’ve ever done for myself. I wish I had done this 10 years ago.’
After the surgery, she expressed satisfaction, saying it was the “best investment” she ever made.
However, Dogan experienced discomfort and light sensitivity. She acknowledged the risks but felt the outcome justified her decision.
Another man shared his experiences with keratopigmentation
In contrast, Cameron Briggs, a 22-year-old cryptocurrency investor, endured severe pain after undergoing the procedure. He described the experience as “horrible” but admitted he knew the risks going in.
Cameron shared his experience with the Washington Post after being in pain for about 48 hours following the procedure.
He said: ‘It was horrible, I felt sick,’ he said several months later. ‘But it’s a procedure at the end of the day, what did I expect?’
‘I did thing, though,’ he added, ‘ “If I get one eye and leave the other, at least I’ll only go blind in one eye”.’
Another method, iris implant surgery, involves placing a colored sheet inside the eye. This technique also comes with significant risks.
One patient, known as Mark, underwent iris implant surgery in Panama. He ended up blind in one eye after complications.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has issued strong warnings against eye color surgeries. They highlight risks like blindness, light sensitivity, cataracts, and corneal ectasia.
The procedure is not FDA-approved for cosmetic purposes. While the technology uses lasers similar to those in LASIK surgery, the risks are far greater.
Why some patients accept the risk
Many patients view eye color change surgeries as enhancements, comparing them to Botox or dental work. Jason Jimenez, a 39-year-old real estate worker, changed his eyes from brown to light gray. He said it improved his confidence and appearance.
“I see it as an enhancement,” Jimenez explained. “If it makes you happier, why not?”
While, Dr. JoAnn Giaconi, a clinical spokesperson for the AAO, urges caution. “No surgery is free of risk,” she said. “Cosmetic eye surgeries aren’t worth the risk to your vision.”
Canadian optometrist Dr. Julian Prosia echoed this sentiment, suggesting colored contact lenses as a safer alternative. “I would rather use contacts than risk long-term side effects,” he stated.