An online craze encouraging people to surgically change the colour of their eyes has come with a health warning from medical experts.
Ophthalmologists and major health organisations strongly warn against the procedures because they can cause permanent vision loss and blindness. No regulatory agency has approved procedures for changing eye colour cosmetically.
King Abdullah Medical City consultant ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr Nada Al Yousuf said the procedures have recently become more widespread and gained popularity on social media platforms.
Speaking to the GDN, she emphasised the importance of raising awareness against them.
“The methods used vary, and each carries its own series of serious complications,” said Dr Al Yousuf.
The main procedures include iris implant surgery that involves placing an artificial silicone iris over the natural one.
“The complications are numerous, severe, and inevitable,” added Dr Al Yousuf. “Iris implantation can cause elevated intraocular pressure, glaucoma, damage to the corneal endothelial cells, chronic internal inflammation and cataract formation, all of which may lead to loss of vision.
“Elevated eye pressure places significant stress on the internal structures of the eye, particularly the optic nerve.
“Once the optic nerve is damaged, it cannot be repaired, resulting in permanent vision loss.
“Damage to the corneal endothelial cells causes corneal swelling and loss of corneal transparency.
“Iris implantation can also lead to severe internal inflammation involving the vitreous and retina. All of these complications are extremely serious and can cause blindness.”
Keratopigmentation, a case of corneal tattooing involves cutting a tiny tunnel in the cornea with a laser or needle and injecting dye risking bacterial or fungal infections, severe allergic reactions, light sensitivity, dye leakage and corneal scarring.
And, laser iris depigmentation uses a laser to burn away brown pigment to reveal lighter layers underneath potentially causing chronic eye inflammation, pigment dispersion clogging eye drains, and uncontrollable increases in eye pressure.
Dr Al Yousuf believes the cosmetic outcomes of these high-risk procedures are often poor, leading to the appearance of irregular patches and uneven colouration of the iris.
She emphasised that these procedures should never be performed on healthy eyes for the purpose of changing eye colour.
Ophthalmologists may perform iris implantation for legitimate therapeutic reasons, such as congenital iris abnormalities and other medical conditions. Similarly, corneal tattooing may be appropriate in selected cases, particularly when the eye has no visual potential.
“In conclusion, people should not be misled by promotional advertisements on social media,” she said. “At the very least, these procedures can be described as a ‘grave offence’ against the eye and vision.”
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Ophthalmology Association also released a statement warning against such procedures and stood against their promotion on social media. “We’re concerned about the increasing promotion of surgical procedures aimed at changing natural eye colour for cosmetic purposes, including keratopigmentation and artificial iris implantation,” the statement said.
“The eye is a highly sensitive and complex organ, and cosmetic procedures performed on a healthy eye are not without risks.
“Potential complications may include inflammation, infection, corneal damage, increased eye pressure and glaucoma, light sensitivity, and permanent visual impairment.
“While certain procedures may have specific medical indications for patients with particular eye conditions or injuries, they should only be considered following a thorough assessment by a qualified ophthalmologist.
“We strongly advise the public not to rely on social media advertisements or claims that such procedures are quick, safe, or risk-free.
“Anyone considering an eye-colour changing procedure should seek proper medical advice and ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified ophthalmologist in an appropriately regulated medical facility.
“We remain committed to protecting eye health, promoting evidence-based medical awareness, and safeguarding vision.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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