Currently, medicine is developing very rapidly. Procedures that once seemed unrealistic are now considered the norm. For example, women can increase their breasts, lips, change the shape of their nose, etc. This applies not only to plastic surgery, but also to all areas of medicine. Ophthalmology is no exception. Recent advances in this area include eye color change surgery and laser vision correction. Now these procedures are considered accessible to all comers, as they are carried out all over the world.
Why change eye color?
As you know, most people have brown eye color. This is due to the large amount of melanin found on the surface of the iris. Such a feature as eye color is laid in the period of intrauterine development and is most often inherited. In some cases, there is only a small accumulation of melanin, in others - its complete absence. In the first option, the eye color is green or amber. If melanin is absent, then due to the reflection of light , the impression is that the iris has a blue color. The operation to change eye color is mainly of interest to the female population. This is due to the fact that the blue or green color of the "iris" is less common, thereby attracting attention. Nevertheless, the reason for this intervention is not always dissatisfaction with their eye color. In some cases, the procedure is necessary in case of damage or the absence of its own iris or with heterochromia.
Which method of operation is preferred?
The operation to change eye color has been practiced not so long ago. It was first patented in 2006 by ophthalmologist Alberto Kahn. This procedure is a microsurgical intervention and consists in the introduction of an iris implant . An alternative to her is laser eye color correction. It was first held in the USA in 2011 by Dr. Homer. In this case, only one option is possible - an operation to change the color of the eyes from hazel to blue. This means that if you want to get a dark color of the iris, laser correction will not work. Both types of surgical intervention have both their advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, iris implantation is considered more preferable. This conclusion can be made for the following reasons:
- The operation has been carried out for many years, while the long-term results of laser correction are still unknown.
- With the development of complications after microsurgical manipulation (dry eye syndrome, loss of vision, glaucoma), the implant can be removed at any time.
- Laser correction of the iris color is forever! If the patient is dissatisfied with the result of the operation and wants to change the color of the eyes again, only microsurgical intervention can be offered to him.
Despite this, laser color correction of the iris is more common, and its cost is lower than that of alternative implantation.
Operation Technique
The process of microsurgical implantation consists of the following steps:
- Anesthesia. Local anesthesia is most commonly used.
- 4 symmetrical cuts are made.
- A cannula is inserted in order to subsequently deploy the implant.
- An artificial plate painted in the required color is superimposed on top of its own iris.
- The implant is carefully expanded using a cannula.
Laser surgery to change the color of the eyes is to destroy melanin. As a result of irradiation, the molecular structure of this substance changes. Over time, the process spreads to the entire surface of the iris, and the eyes begin to gradually “lighten”. Unlike implantation, this method is irreversible.
Postoperative period and complications
It is worth remembering that the operation to change the color of the iris has a risk of complications, as well as a very expensive cost (from 5 to 10 thousand dollars). Therefore, you need to think carefully before deciding on it. Before the procedure, you should undergo a full examination not only by the ophthalmologist, but also by other specialists (endocrinologist, cardiologist). Despite the fact that the intervention itself lasts only 15-20 minutes, after it you must constantly be monitored by a doctor. The postoperative period takes about 2 months. During this time, visual stress should be avoided, do not look at bright lighting and a computer monitor. When symptoms such as lacrimation, dry eyes, soreness, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Eye color change operation: photo before and after the procedure
Since the implantation of the iris has been carried out for several years, its results can be observed. Not only people with heterochromia were intervened, but also simply wishing. Among them are movie stars and pop stars. Laser correction appeared relatively recently, therefore, has not yet received wide distribution. Nevertheless, several people have already had an operation to change the color of their eyes from hazel to blue. Photos of these people can be seen in scientific articles on this topic or on special resources. Assess the results can not only doctors, but also everyone.
Eye color change operation: expert reviews
Despite the fact that a large number of people are interested in eye change surgery, specialists are wary of it. This is due to the development of complications, as well as to a small evidence base (studies are of a short-term nature). To a greater extent, doctors do not recommend laser surgery, since it is impossible to change its effects. But if the patient is determined or has medical indications, experts recommend the implantation of an artificial iris.