Eye Color Change Treatment

Eye color change treatment is a revolutionary and exclusive procedure performed by only a limited number of providers in the world using a specialized technique known as keratopigmentation. This advanced procedure involves creating microchannels in the eye using a laser and inserting a medical-grade dye to permanently alter the color of the iris. Dr. Choi is the only ophthalmologist in the United States who trained in Paris, France under the physician who pioneered eye color change, Dr. Francis Ferrari. Dr. Ferrari is considered the “father of eye color change in the world.” The dye we use for eye color change is ordered directly from the manufacturer in Switzerland. The laser used in the procedure is located in our state-of-the-art surgery center.

FAQs

Is eye color change treatment safe?

There are studies that show this technology is safer than long term color contact use or iris implants, which can cause issues with the health of your eyes. The dye used has not been shown to cause any infection or eye issues.

Can the dye be removed after my eye color change procedure?

Complete color removal may not be possible. However, adjustments to the color can be made.

How long will my eye color change procedure take?

The procedure only takes about 45 minutes for both eyes.

Is eye color change treatment painful?

No. Your eye is numbed with a local anesthetic making the procedure painless.

Can I have my vision corrected before or after my eye color change procedure?

You can have PRK before having your color changed to correct your vision. However, after color change, a clear lens exchange will be the only method of vision correction after due to where the color is located on the cornea.

If I have already had laser vision correction, am I still eligible for eye color change treatment?

It depends on the type of laser vision correction that was performed. We will advise the patient at the time of consultation.

Eye color change treatment with keratopigmentation is primarily an elective, aesthetic procedure designed to give patients an eye color they feel is more desirable or attractive than their natural eye color, though it may also be used to address inconsistent coloring between the two eyes and other irregularities in some cases. Some of the most exciting potential benefits of eye color change treatment include:

• Results can be long lasting or permanent
• Quick and convenient procedure
• No general anesthesia required
• Painless
• Instantly visible results
• Does not alter inner structures of the eye, dramatically reducing potential risks and side effects
• Outcomes can be beautiful and natural looking
• Boosts self-confidence

Keratopigmentation, also known as eye color change treatment, is designed for individuals seeking to alter the color of their iris for cosmetic reasons or for those needing the procedure for therapeutic purposes. Cosmetic candidates are often people who wish to change their eye color to achieve a desired aesthetic look, providing they have realistic expectations and understand the risks involved. On the therapeutic side, candidates include patients with iris defects such as heterochromia, iris hypoplasia, or those who have suffered from injuries leading to iris damage, aiming to restore a more natural appearance or to address issues of light sensitivity. Before proceeding, it is essential for all potential candidates to undergo a thorough eye examination to ensure they are suitable for the procedure, taking into account their overall eye health, the presence of any eye diseases, and understanding that the procedure's outcomes may vary.

Keratopigmentation, or eye color change treatment, involves altering the color of the iris through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. This technique can be performed for both cosmetic and therapeutic reasons. The procedure typically involves the use of a laser or a surgical instrument to apply a biocompatible pigment onto the iris or the corneal stroma, the transparent layer of the eye in front of the iris. The laser technique is precise, allowing for controlled placement of the pigment and minimal damage to surrounding eye tissues.

The pigment used in keratopigmentation is chosen to match the desired eye color. In therapeutic cases, the goal is to mimic a natural iris appearance as closely as possible, improving both cosmetic appearance and functional issues like light sensitivity. For cosmetic applications, the pigment can transform the eye color to a completely different shade, such as turning brown eyes to blue.

After undergoing eye color change treatment through keratopigmentation, patients may experience mild discomfort, redness, swelling, or a foreign body sensation in the eye immediately following the procedure. These symptoms are typically temporary. The change in eye color can be immediate, but the final color and appearance may take a few weeks to stabilize as the eye heals and the pigment settles. Several follow-up visits will be necessary to monitor the healing process and evaluate the outcome of the procedure.

General Aftercare Instructions

• Take your prescribed medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
• Avoid rubbing or touching the eyes, especially in the initial healing phase.
• Protect your eyes from UV rays and bright light by wearing sunglasses.
• Keep the eye area clean and avoid using makeup, creams, or lotions near the eyes during the early recovery period.
• Limit physical activity and swimming for a period to reduce the risk of complications.
• Monitor and report increased pain, vision changes, signs of infection (e.g., excessive redness, discharge), or any other unusual symptoms.

When you want to make a lasting first impression, the eyes are a great place to start. To learn more about how eye color change treatment works and your options for attaining the look you want, reach out to Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Choi. Contact our office in the Greater Birmingham, AL area to get started.