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New Iris Color Surgery

The natural color of a person's eyes is determined by the amount of melanin, the distribution of blood vessels, and the texture of the tissue in the eye. For years, optometrists have prescribed color contacts to patients who wished to change their eye color. However, a surgery developed by the doctors at New Color Iris allows patients to have their eye color permanently changed.

  1. History

    • The New Color Iris procedure was developed in Panama by doctors looking to help treat the Kuna Indians, who have a relatively high likelihood of albinism in the iris. This condition is one of a few eye problems that make the procedure medically recommended. This surgery is also used for individuals who have had damage to the iris, or people who simply wish to change their eye color.

    Procedure

    • When a patient undergoes this operation, the surgeon inserts a small implant into the eye that covers the original iris. The surgery is considered safe because it utilized technology that is similar to the procedure used for treating cataracts. It is performed under anesthesia and requires about a week of recovery time.

    Limitations

    • Individuals with certain diseases of the eye cannot undergo the New Color Iris procedure. An ophthalmologist will perform a detailed examination to determine whether the surgery is considered safe. While the surgery is available to patients with astigmatism, implantation of a new iris does not change the patient's current vision. Because of this, individuals who where corrective lenses will continue to need them after the procedure. In certain cases, patients may be recommended for Lasik corrective surgery.

    Safety

    • While New Color Iris is currently only available in Panama, the procedure has a United States patent and the materials used have been approved by the FDA. An August 2009 article in the Daily Mail reports a story about a woman who underwent the surgery and nearly lost her vision completely. However, doctors were able to safely remove the implants without causing permanent harm to her sight. While this incident may reflect badly on New Color Iris, there have been very few complaints since the procedure first become available in 2002.

    Cost

    • As of 2010, the New Color Iris procedure costs approximately $7,500. However, since the surgery is only available in Panama, budget for travel costs and a week's hotel accommodation in the city should be factored, as well.

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