Changing Eye Color

Submitted by Dr. Dean Dornic on Sat 05/02/2009 - 09:36

An ophthalmologist in Panama is currently implanting a colored implant in patients to change eye color. The cost is approximately $8000 plus airfare and accommodations. These implants may be of value to patients with albinism (lack of color) but patients who are receiving these for purely cosmetic reasons are cautioned about potential long term side effects. The lenses have the potential to cause cataract, glaucoma, cornealdecompensation, infection and irreversible blindness. They are currently not approved for use in the US.