Can You Change Your Eye Color: Surgical & Non-Surgical Options

Have you ever wished you could trade your brown eyes for a sparkling blue hue? While our genetic makeup largely determines our eye color, it's fascinating to delve into the realm of possibilities for altering this unique feature. 

This article explores the various options available today for changing your eye appearance.

What influences eye color development?

Melanin, a pigment controlled by genetics, dictates eye color. Variations in these genes determine the amount of melanin produced, resulting in the spectrum of eye shade we see, from blue to green or blue and brown. 

Medical conditions like albinism and heterochromia can also influence the eye shade. Even environmental factors, such as prolonged sun exposure, can cause subtle changes over time.

Can you change your eye color naturally?

While genetics play the dominant role in determining the shade of one’s eye, certain foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, fish, carrots, almonds, citrus fruits, and olive oil, can improve overall eye health and potentially lead to a brighter appearance. 

However, the scientific evidence supporting dietary influence on eye color is not yet conclusive, and it is important to manage expectations and understand that these practices are unlikely to result in a dramatic change in one’s eyes.

Non-surgical methods to change your eye color

Non-surgical methods to alter your eye appearance involve the use of tinted contact lenses designed to modify natural eye appearance temporarily or non-invasive methods that could help one achieve a different eye shade. 

Contact lenses 

Contact lenses offer a temporary and customizable way to make your eyes memorable. They are popular for their safety and reversibility, allowing you to switch hues or revert to your natural look at any time.

These contacts offer a variety of designs for dramatic or subtle effects. They are easy to use and remove and comfortable for everyday wear.

However, they require proper care and hygiene to avoid infections and might not be suitable for certain eye conditions. Here’s a closer look at different types of contact lenses:

Opaque lenses

Opaque lenses are ideal for dramatic changes, completely covering the natural hue of your eye. They are perfect for those wanting a significant transformation, such as changing your eye tint to natural-looking dark brown eyes, light blue or green. 

For instance, one can adorn a pair of New Adult Brown contacts for a rich, natural brown, or go for Polaris Blue or Green for a captivating icy blue or emerald green transformation.

Enhancement lenses

Enhancement lenses enhance your natural eye color, providing a subtle change. These lenses are best for light-toned eyes, adding depth and vibrancy without completely masking the natural tint. 

Choose Illuminate Jet Black or Illuminate Rich Brown for a subtle way to elevate your natural beauty. 

Visibility lenses

Visibility lenses have a slight tint for easy handling without significantly altering eye color.  They are primarily practical, helping users see and manage the lenses more easily. 

If you're seeking a more noticeable transformation, consider realistic-looking contacts. These lenses can enhance your eyes and elevate your overall look.

Laser technique (NewEyesLaser 7G)

The NewEyes laser eye color-changing treatment is a non-invasive procedure that makes permanent alterations by using a specialized laser to remove the pigment layer in the iris. 

Each brief session gradually reveals a lighter eye tint, with minimal recovery time, allowing patients to return to their normal activities quickly.

The treatment is designed to be safe, effective, and natural-looking, offering a permanent alternative to contact lenses for those seeking to change the shade of the iris. 

However, achieving the desired shade might require multiple expensive treatments with potential risks. The permanent nature and limited shade options make it a significant decision compared to reversible methods.

Drops 

Certain glaucoma eye drops, containing prostaglandin analogs, can gradually and naturally darken the eye by increasing melanin production in the iris. They are effective in treating glaucoma but are not intended for cosmetic use. 

Potential side effects include changes in eye pressure, eye irritation, and darkening of the eyelids. These drops require a prescription and medical supervision, with regular check-ups necessary to monitor eye health, making them unsuitable for purely cosmetic purposes.

Surgical methods to change your eye color 

Surgical methods involve invasive procedures that alter the appearance of the eye permanently.

Iris implants 

Iris implant surgery, initially developed for treating iris defects such as aniridia, involves inserting a colored artificial iris to change the shade of the eye permanently. It provides immediate, dramatic results and can correct certain medical conditions. 

However, as an invasive procedure, it carries significant risks, including vision loss, glaucoma, cataracts, corneal damage, and inflammation. Its cosmetic use is controversial, not widely approved, and entails higher risks. 

Recovery requires substantial rest and monitoring, with regular follow-ups needed to ensure the implants remain safe and effective.

Laser keratopigmentation 

Laser keratopigmentation is a procedure that changes eye color by using a laser to create micro-tunnels in the cornea, which are filled with biocompatible pigment. This method offers a permanent change, is less invasive than iris implants, and can achieve natural-looking results. 

However, it is still an emerging procedure with limited long-term data, and potential complications include corneal haze, infection, and inflammation. The method requires high precision to avoid vision impairment. 

While considered relatively safe with proper technique, effectiveness varies, and some patients may experience complications. Recovery involves a short rest period and follow-up visits to ensure appropriate healing and pigment stability.

Laser depigmentation 

Laser depigmentation is a technique that uses a laser to selectively remove melanin from the iris, lightening the eye color, typically from brown to blue. The procedure is non-invasive and relatively quick, providing a permanent change without the need for foreign materials. 

However, it is limited to lightening dark eyes and cannot darken light eyes. Potential risks include inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, and long-term eye damage, with long-term safety and effectiveness still under study. 

While effective for dark eyes seeking a lighter shade, the procedure is considered experimental, requiring regular follow-ups to monitor for complications.

How much does it cost to change eye color?

The cost of changing your eye shade can vary significantly, offering a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. 

Contact lenses range from USD 20.90 to USD 27.90  per pair, with ongoing costs for replacements and maintenance. Laser techniques cost approximately USD 5,000 per eye, while surgical methods range from USD 8,000 to USD 10,000 per eye, excluding potential complications that may require additional medical expenses. 

For an affordable and flexible option, colored contact lenses are practical, avoiding the high costs and risks of more permanent procedures.

FAQ

Is it risky to change eye color?

The level of risk depends on the method you choose. Surgical methods for permanent color change carry the most significant risks. These procedures can potentially lead to infections, bleeding, damage to the natural iris, and even vision loss. 

Non-surgical methods like contact lenses are generally safe, but proper hygiene and care are crucial to avoid eye infections and irritation.

What is the safest way to change your eye color permanently?

Currently, no method is entirely safe for permanent change. Surgical procedures are still under development and carry significant risks. Colored contact lenses are the safest option for a temporary change.

Is eye color surgery real?

Yes, eye color surgery exists. There are procedures like iris implants and laser treatments, , but it is risky and not widely recommended by eye care professionals. These procedures are still considered novel, and their long-term safety and effectiveness are not fully established.

Can your eye color change as you get older?

Yes, eye color can change slightly with age due to pigment loss. This is more common in babies whose eye shade continues to develop in the first few years of life. 

In adults, some people may experience a slight lightening of eye tint due to a gradual decrease in melanin production. However, dramatic changes without intervention are uncommon.

Conclusion

When contemplating a change to your eye appearance, it's important to weigh the methods available, each with unique benefits and drawbacks. For safety and temporary transformation, PinkyParadise’s contact lenses offer a vast selection of colors. Understanding the options and their considerations will help you make an informed decision.