Can ICL surgery change your eye colour?
In the world of vision correction surgeries, ICL (Implantable contact lens) has become a popular option. Many people are turning to ICL to correct their vision due to the impressive results of this procedure1 https://bjo.bmj.com/content/96/3/409.short. But with great advancements come curious questions, and one of the most common ones is whether ICL surgery can change your eye colour.
In this blog post, we’ll explore this topic thoroughly and find out if ICL surgery can alter the colour of your eyes.
What is ICL surgery?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what ICL surgery is and what it involves. We perform ICL surgery to correct shortsightedness, longsightedness, and astigmatism. We insert a small, artificial lens into the eye. We place the lens behind the iris, where it corrects the refractive power of your eye and gives you sharper vision.
Will my eye colour change after ICL surgery?
ICL surgery does not involve the removal or alteration of the iris, which is the part of your eye that determines its colour. The iris contains coloured pigments, called melanin, which gives your eyes their hue2https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/eyecolor/#:~:text=Eye%20color%20is%20directly%20related,major%20role%20in%20eye%20color.. The amount of melanin that the iris contains determines its colour, ranging from shades of brown to green, blue, or grey.
Therefore, even though ICL surgery does involve placing a foreign object into the eye, it has no impact on the iris’s colour or the amount of melanin it contains. This means that ICL surgery cannot change your eye colour. The colour of your eyes remains the same after the procedure.
ICL surgery is a highly effective and safe procedure3 https://journals.healio.com/doi/abs/10.3928/1081597X-20130117-01 that can improve your vision without changing your eye colour. If you’re considering ICL surgery, you’ll be happy to know that it doesn’t tamper with the natural appearance of your eyes.
Remember to choose the right surgeon and educate yourself about the procedure to get the best possible outcome. To find out more about ICL surgery, book a free assessment with us.
Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew Russell, your laser and cataract surgery specialist
HI I’M DR. MATTHEW RUSSELL YOUR LASER EYE AND CATARACT SURGERY SPECIALIST
With over 15 years of experience, I enjoy the privilege of helping patients of all ages reclaim clear vision or preserve it for as long as possible.
Vision correction and high-precision cataract surgery hinge on the expertise and skill set of the provider who also has access to the most precise tools for the job. Ophthalmic surgeons like me know how to make treatment safe, comfortable and positive for the patient. They know how to minimise the risk of complications and maximise successful outcomes.
I have a passion for helping my patients enjoy the clear, high-definition vision they need to live rich and active lives. Now, I have hand-picked a team of professionals that share my passion and commitment to exceptional care.
Dr. Matthew Russell
MBChB, FRANZCO
