The Dark Side of Changing Eye Colour

Michéal O'Rourke
Sep 28
3 min read

In a world obsessed with image, it was probably only a matter of time before people started trying to change their eye colour — permanently. From icy blue to emerald green, social media is full of dramatic before-and-after shots that promise “a new you”.

But behind the filters and hashtags is a very real danger. Eye specialists across Ireland — and around the world — are warning that these procedures can leave you with far more than just a different shade of eyes. They can leave you blind.

A Dangerous Trend in Cosmetic Eye Surgery 🚨

Eye colour surgery might sound like something out of science fiction, but it’s a real (and growing) trend. Clinics abroad are advertising procedures that claim to safely “transform” brown eyes into blue or grey. Some use lasers; others insert coloured implants directly into the eye.

It’s marketed as safe and simple — a quick fix for anyone chasing a unique look. But it’s anything but safe. These surgeries aren’t approved by the HSE here in Ireland, or by international health regulators like the FDA in the United States. In fact, many ophthalmologists refuse to perform or even support them because of the damage they cause.

Implants and Lasers — The Hidden Dangers ❌

The two main procedures people are being tempted by are iris implants and laser depigmentation.

Iris implants involve inserting a coloured disc over your natural iris. The result looks dramatic — but that artificial layer can block the eye’s fluid drainage, raise pressure inside the eye, and rub against the cornea until it scars.

Laser depigmentation aims to “lighten” brown eyes by removing melanin — the pigment that gives them colour. It sounds high-tech, but when you strip away melanin, the debris can clog drainage channels and cause dangerous pressure build-ups. That can lead to glaucoma, chronic pain, and in some cases, permanent vision loss.

Several people who’ve had these surgeries abroad have returned home needing emergency treatment — and in Ireland, ophthalmologists are seeing more complications linked to medical tourism.

Real Risks: Glaucoma, Corneal Damage, and Blindness ⚠️

These aren’t mild side effects. They’re life-changing injuries. The risks include:

Glaucoma — caused by blocked drainage and dangerously high eye pressure.
Corneal scarring — from friction or surgical trauma.
Uveitis — painful inflammation inside the eye.
Cataracts — clouding of the eye’s natural lens.
Blindness — permanent, and untreatable in some cases.

The truly frightening part? These problems can appear months or even years after the initial surgery — long after patients have been told their eyes “look fine”.

Coloured Contact Lenses — A Safer Way (With Care)

If you love experimenting with your look, there’s nothing wrong with using coloured contact lenses — they can be fun, expressive, and completely safe when fitted and used properly.

But they’re not toys. The HSE and Irish optometrists warn against buying contact lenses online or from unlicensed sellers. Poorly fitted lenses can scratch the cornea, cause infection, or block oxygen to the eye.

If you’re considering them, always get a proper fitting from a registered optician, follow the cleaning instructions, and never share lenses with others.

Your Sight Is Worth More Than Vanity 👁️

I get it — we all want to feel confident in how we look. But when it comes to something as delicate as your vision, vanity simply isn’t worth the risk.

Your eyes are irreplaceable. Once damaged, there’s no going back. If you’ve ever thought about changing your eye colour permanently, talk to an eye specialist first. The HSE, along with international ophthalmology associations, strongly advises against any form of eye implant or colour laser surgery.

Remember: trends fade, but the damage could be for life. Protect your sight — it’s far more beautiful than any artificial shade.