Surgical Techniques for Cosmetic Eye Color Change: A Narrative Review.

IF 3.2 3区医学 Q2 OPHTHALMOLOGY

Ophthalmology and Therapy Pub Date : 2025-08-01 Epub Date: 2025-06-07 DOI:10.1007/s40123-025-01177-0

Francesco D'Oria, Jorge L Alio

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Abstract

The desire for permanent cosmetic change of eye color has driven the development of various surgical techniques aimed at achieving this transformation, pursuing more enduring solutions. This demand has led to the emergence of three primary surgical approaches: cosmetic iris implants, laser iris depigmentation, and cosmetic keratopigmentation (KTP). Each technique presents distinct advantages, yet also entails specific limitations and potential risks. Cosmetic iris implants, originally designed for congenital or traumatic iris defects, have been repurposed for aesthetic use. However, they come with severe risks, including glaucoma, corneal endothelial cell loss, and even permanent vision impairment. As a result of these complications, they are not approved by major regulatory bodies and are widely considered unsafe. Laser iris depigmentation offers a less invasive approach, using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser to remove melanin from the anterior iris stroma. While it provides a natural-looking result, it lacks customization and has potential complications like patchy pigmentation, photophobia, and temporary intraocular pressure spikes. Additionally, there is limited long-term data on its safety. Cosmetic KTP, an advanced version of corneal tattooing, has emerged as the safest and most effective option. It involves embedding micronized mineral pigments into the cornea, allowing for precise, customizable, and long-lasting results. Studies show high patient satisfaction and minimal risks when properly performed. Among these techniques, KTP appears to be the best choice owing to its safety and aesthetic flexibility, while cosmetic iris implants should be avoided because of their high risk of complications, and laser iris depigmentation deals with limitations in color selection and long-term reliability. While KTP currently seems the safest option for cosmetic eye color change, this is largely based on limited single-center data and should be confirmed by larger studies in the future.

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美容眼颜色改变的外科技术：述评。

对眼睛颜色的永久美容改变的渴望推动了各种手术技术的发展，旨在实现这种转变，追求更持久的解决方案。这种需求导致了三种主要手术方法的出现：美容虹膜植入、激光虹膜脱色和美容角膜色素沉着（KTP）。每种技术都有不同的优点，但也有特定的限制和潜在的风险。美容虹膜植入物，最初设计用于先天性或创伤性虹膜缺陷，已被重新用于美学用途。然而，它们也有严重的风险，包括青光眼、角膜内皮细胞丧失，甚至永久性视力障碍。由于这些并发症，它们没有得到主要监管机构的批准，被普遍认为是不安全的。激光虹膜脱色提供了一种侵入性较小的方法，使用调q Nd:YAG激光去除虹膜前基质中的黑色素。虽然它提供了自然的效果，但它缺乏定制性，并且有潜在的并发症，如色素斑、畏光和暂时的眼压峰值。此外，关于其安全性的长期数据有限。化妆品KTP，一种先进的角膜纹身，已经成为最安全、最有效的选择。它包括将微粉矿物色素嵌入角膜，从而实现精确、可定制和持久的效果。研究表明，如果操作得当，患者满意度高，风险最小。在这些技术中，KTP因其安全性和美学灵活性而成为最佳选择，而美容虹膜植入因其并发症风险高而应避免，激光虹膜脱色在颜色选择和长期可靠性方面存在局限性。虽然KTP目前似乎是美容眼部颜色改变最安全的选择，但这在很大程度上是基于有限的单中心数据，未来应该通过更大规模的研究来证实。

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来源期刊

Ophthalmology and Therapy OPHTHALMOLOGY-

CiteScore

4.20

自引率

3.00%

发文量

157

审稿时长

6 weeks

期刊介绍： Aims and Scope Ophthalmology and Therapy is an international, open access, peer-reviewed (single-blind), and rapid publication journal. The scope of the journal is broad and will consider all scientifically sound research from preclinical, clinical (all phases), observational, real-world, and health outcomes research around the use of ophthalmological therapies, devices, and surgical techniques. The journal is of interest to a broad audience of pharmaceutical and healthcare professionals and publishes original research, reviews, case reports/series, trial protocols and short communications such as commentaries and editorials. Ophthalmology and Therapy will consider all scientifically sound research be it positive, confirmatory or negative data. Submissions are welcomed whether they relate to an international and/or a country-specific audience, something that is crucially important when researchers are trying to target more specific patient populations. This inclusive approach allows the journal to assist in the dissemination of quality research, which may be considered of insufficient interest by other journals. Rapid Publication The journal’s publication timelines aim for a rapid peer review of 2 weeks. If an article is accepted it will be published 3–4 weeks from acceptance. The rapid timelines are achieved through the combination of a dedicated in-house editorial team, who manage article workflow, and an extensive Editorial and Advisory Board who assist with peer review. This allows the journal to support the rapid dissemination of research, whilst still providing robust peer review. Combined with the journal’s open access model this allows for the rapid, efficient communication of the latest research and reviews, fostering the advancement of ophthalmic therapies. Open Access All articles published by Ophthalmology and Therapy are open access. 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