Eye and Vision Care

The "New Color Iris"?

05/09/2008 08:01PM

Question:

I wanted to know if the new color iris is dangereous? Can they really change our eye color with out harm?

Answer:

Thank you for your question. "New Color Iris" is an implant that is surgically inserted in front of your natural iris. I believe the procedure is only performed in Panama and is not FDA approved in the U.S. Since the New Color Iris is a surgical procedure, there is certainly risk of harm to the eyes, with the potential to develop serious eye conditions such as glaucoma or retinal detachment.
If you are interested in changing the color of your eyes, a safer alternative is to wear opaque colored contact lenses. Contact lenses are medical devices that also can harm the eyes if not taken care of properly. Proper examination by your eye care physician is necessary before wearing any type of contact lenses.

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Response by:

Julia Rae Geldis, OD, MS
Assistant Professor
College of Optometry
The Ohio State University