The color of our eyes is determined by pigments in the iris, which not only affect appearance but also protect the eyes from light.
While some individuals are born with a lack of pigmentation in their iris, others seek to alter their eye color for aesthetic reasons. In this context, iris pigmentation injections have emerged as a potential solution, but they come with both medical benefits and significant risks, especially for those seeking cosmetic changes.
The iris is composed of pigments that not only protect the eye from light but also determine the color of the eye. Typically, the outer part of the iris has fewer pigments, which is why it appears more transparent or lighter in color. In other words, the color of our eyes reflects the pigments located at the back of the iris. In some individuals, the iris is congenitally devoid of pigment, which can affect their appearance.
On the other hand, some people, due to a desire for cosmetic change, seek to alter the pigmentation of their iris. In this regard, injecting pigment into the iris tissue can be beneficial for patients, but for those seeking aesthetic improvements, it also comes with risks.
Although iris pigmentation injection has been discussed in our country for several years, it has not yet become widespread. Therefore, it is essential for individuals who want to undergo eye color change surgery for non-medical reasons to gather sufficient information about this procedure, its risks, and requirements.
Mahmoud Jabarvand, a cornea specialist and ophthalmologist, explained that the procedure for changing eye color is performed for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. He added that individuals who have problems with their iris, such as congenital absence of it, can resolve their cosmetic issue through eye color surgery.
The absence of an iris can cause cosmetic problems, so injecting pigment or placing a prosthetic iris can address this issue. Jabarvand noted that the injection of pigment into the eye is primarily therapeutic.
When the iris is absent, light directly hits the retina, which can cause discomfort and reduced vision. Jabarvand also mentioned that some people have eyes of different colors; for example, one eye may be blue and the other brown.
In such cases, pigment injection can be used to correct the issue. He added that the implantation of artificial lenses has become obsolete. Eye color change is now performed for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.
In the past, colored lens implants were used instead of pigment injections, but they faced significant opposition. Lens implants could cause severe damage to the eyes, such as narrowing the eye angle, increasing intraocular pressure, and iris adhesion. Fortunately, this method is now obsolete worldwide and is no longer performed in any country.
The ophthalmologist continued that eye color change surgery has been available as a cosmetic procedure for about ten years, and it is performed in the U.S., Europe, and neighboring countries with a cost of around $10,000.
Previously, the Ministry of Health had banned this cosmetic surgery, but individuals interested in the procedure traveled abroad for the surgery and returned to Iran after changing their eye color.
Now, this surgery is legally performed in Iran. Jabarvand emphasized that it is better for individuals to avoid eye color change surgery. He pointed out that global standards require that about 5.5 millimeters of the central cornea remain intact. Failing to adhere to this rule may lead to reduced visual field.
He also stated that this surgery does not cause blindness, and fortunately, in the ten years since this procedure has been performed in Iran, no serious complications have been reported. Eye color change surgery is highly sensitive and must be performed by a skilled and experienced doctor.
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