Trending Eye Color-Altering Drops May Carry Risks, Experts Warn

The desire to change your eye color might change when you discover the potential risks involved.

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In the age of viral beauty hacks, changing your eye color with a simple drop sounds like a dream come true. But this trending cosmetic quick-fix is causing alarm in the medical community.

Experts warn that these unregulated products could turn your quest for dazzling eyes into potentially permanent damage.

No Evidence Eye Color Is Changed

The products in question are non-prescription eye drops marketed as solutions to change eye color.

“Consumers seeing these products on TikTok or elsewhere online need to know that they are not FDA [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] approved,” Dr. JoAnn A. Giaconi, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), said in a statement.

While ads show dramatic before-and-after shots, they offer vague information on how the products actually work, Giaconi said.

“The reality is, there’s no evidence that they do anything at all, or that they’re safe,” she noted.

Eye damage associated with using these products is potentially life-changing, according to another AAO spokesperson.

Because there is limited research and information from manufacturers, it’s difficult to predict how individuals may react to these eye drops, Dr. Ami Vadada, who is also a board-certified ophthalmologist with a subspecialty in cornea and external disease, told The Epoch Times.

Based on what is known, potential side effects include eye inflammation, painful or blinding infections, light sensitivity, and increased eye pressure, she added.

In February, the FDA sent a warning letter to LightEyez Limited, the London-based manufacturer of color-changing eye drops, after laboratory testing revealed that their MSM Eye Repair Drops were “adulterated” with “filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance,” according to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

May Contain Harmful Substance

Eye drops that claim to change eye color often use hormone-like substances called prostaglandin analogs, Dr. Thierry Hufnagel, a LASIK and cataract surgeon at Stahl Eyecare Experts, told The Epoch Times.

“While these drops may darken the iris, they come with several health risks,” he said. “Common side effects include increased eye pigmentation, eye irritation, dryness, and changes in the appearance of the eyelashes.”

Long-term use can lead to problems such as iris hyperpigmentation (the iris becomes darker and develops brown spots), vision changes, and irreversible eye damage, according to Hufnagel. There’s also a risk of glaucoma if the drops are misused or interact with other medications, he added.

Safe Methods to Change Eye Color

FDA-approved methods to change eye color do exist. Cosmetic contact lenses, when prescribed and fitted by an eye care professional, can safely alter eye color temporarily.

Iris implant surgery is another option. However, Hufnagel said, it is high risk and generally not recommended because of potential severe complications, including vision loss. He advised against these procedures for people with certain eye conditions such as glaucoma or a history of eye infections.

“Anyone considering a permanent change in eye color should consult with an ophthalmologist to weigh the risks and benefits,” Hufnagel said.

He emphasized the importance of caution when approaching such procedures.

“The potential for serious complications makes it crucial for anyone considering these options to have a thorough discussion with a qualified eye care professional.”