If you have been using contact lenses frequently to change your eye colour, an iris implant might interest you. It is a medical procedure that changes the colour of your eyeballs which was initially designed to treat damaged irises that caused light sensitivity. However, the trend shifted to use these implants to change the colour of the eyes for aesthetic reasons, informs Dr Jagadesh C Reddy L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad.
But before you get too excited with this piece of news, know that this procedure is also associated with high complication and hence taking it up only for cosmetic reasons may not be a good idea.
What are iris implants?
These are implants made of silicon which is 15 mm in diameter, 0.16 mm in thickness and has a central hole of 3.5 mm for the light to pass through the pupil onto the retina. The placement of this implant requires an intraocular procedure, wherein the lens is placed over the iris after making a slit in the cornea. This itself gives you an idea how much precision and practise is needed to perform the procedure and very few ophthalmologists might be willing to risk your eyes to this procedure. ‘While there is no published medical literature on the complications of this procedure, it is believed that it can lead to various problems like glaucoma, damage to the optic nerves, a blood clot in the eyes or total vision loss,’ says Dr Reddy.
Who should consider this procedure?
One should only go for this procedure if there are any problems in the iris that could lead to light sensitivity. It can also be done for cosmetic purposes if your ophthalmologist tells you so. ‘Because of the supposed complications related to this procedure several ophthalmology and optometry societies have discouraged the use of these implants,’ says Dr Reddy.
How is the procedure done?
Your eyes have their colour due to the presence of the pigment, melanin in the iris. Iris is present behind the cornea and regulates the quantity of light that enters the eye. Usually, eye colour varies from light brown to black, depending on the concentration of melanin. The colour of the eyes can be changed by blocking the visible melanin through iris implants, blocking the iris. The other non-invasive way of doing it is by using cosmetic contact lens on the cornea or through laser treatment.
Word of caution
According to Dr Reddy, going for iris implants just because you want your eyes to look different isn’t ideal. ‘Instead opt for cosmetic soft contact lens (CSCL) or fantasy soft contact lens (FSCL). In CSCL, there is a transparent central zone and a periphery with a translucent tint that permits the iris to be seen but changes its colour. The FSCL has opaque colours on the periphery that cover the original colour of the iris. These are usually used only for social occasions. If you have to use contact lenses for longer periods, ensure that you maintain proper hygiene and follow the instructions for using them. Infections due to improper use of contact lenses can be dangerous,’ he says. Lastly, this procedure, will not correct your refractive power and hence, you might still have to wear your glasses despite changing the colour of your eyeballs.
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