Dangerous New Beauty Trend May Leave You Blind

Hazel eyes. That’s my go-to answer for the infamous question I’m asked anytime I’m having a face-to-face conversation with someone.Although, I never really know what my eye color is that day, my drivers license says hazel and I’m sticking to it. “But, your eyes are blue in this picture,” says Ungenita sitting across the Starbucks table, pointing to one of my head shots. Well, I can’t promise it wasn’t Photoshop, but in all honesty, my irises change colors on the daily.

It’s not as cool as changing outfits, because unfortunately I’m not a superhero and have no control over it,but I guess it’s something that makes me unique and for that, it’s pretty cool.However, if you don’t have this rare luxury (if we can call it that), there is a cosmetic surgery that can permanently change the color of your eyes .But, with any medical procedure, there are some great risks and Dr. Dubow from Insight Eye Care says they can be as bad as permanent eye damage and vision loss.

Erase your Iris and Color Again

The method is a little cringe-worthy, but I found myself cautiously intrigued while researching about it like when you are watching a scary movie with your hands covering your eyes, but you still peek through your fingers to see what happens next. Or when you nearly break your neck trying to look back at a car accident you just passed on the freeway. I know it’s horrible, but it’s human nature to be curious, right? So lets get into it… no pun intended.

First, a local anesthesia is used to numb the eye, then a slit is cut into the cornea. Next, a folded silicone iris in your desired color is carefully inserted into the slit, re-opened and placed on top of your real iris . Each eye only takes around ten to fifteen minutes and the healing time takes a couple of days. Blurriness may occur initially and medication may be given for six to eight weeks to prevent infection and inflammation.

Doctors normally recommend to avoid activities requiring you to bend or lift for the first few days following the procedure and to avoid rubbing or pressing on your eyes. If you can bare the thought of it, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the implants and major complications can occur.

Risking your vision for light colored eyes…2 words #NOTCute

Dr. Dubow says studies of people who have been through the surgical eye-color-change have shown signs of elevated pressure inside the eye leading to glaucoma, cataracts, cornea injury leading to corneal transplants,iris inflammation, pain, blurred vision, tearing and blindness. If these complications occur, another surgery is needed to remove the artificial iris and once again, risking more problems. We all love change, especially when it comes to our appearance, but you might be better off getting colored contacts prescribed or just loving your beautiful eyes as they are! Bat those flirty lashes and show of that natural hue! Someone beside you may be wishing they had your eye color!

 

– Elana Kluner