A 49-year-old wealth advisor from San Francisco, Ulku Dogan, recently underwent a groundbreaking procedure to permanently change her eye color from brown to blue.
After wearing colored contact lenses for two decades, Dogan traveled to New York and paid $12,000 for the surgery, known as cosmetic keratopigmentation.
Performed by Dr. Kevin Niksarli at Manhattan LASIK Center, the procedure involves using a laser to create small channels in the cornea, which are then filled with dye.
Patients can choose from 11 shades, including emerald green, lagoon, and honey. Dogan opted for a brighter shade of blue after her initial consultation, expressing satisfaction with the outcome. “It’s the best investment I’ve ever done for myself,” she told Business Insider.
Cosmetic keratopigmentation, introduced for aesthetic use in the U.S. in 2019, is gaining popularity, particularly through viral TikTok videos showcasing before-and-after results.
Although originally developed to treat medical conditions such as iris trauma or loss, the procedure is increasingly sought after for cosmetic reasons.
Dr. Alexander Movshovich, who first offered the procedure in the U.S., has performed over 750 surgeries. He maintains that the procedure is safe, with risks carefully evaluated during individual consultations.
However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has issued warnings, citing potential complications such as infections, corneal damage, light sensitivity, and vision loss. A 2021 study noted that some patients experienced pigment fading and other side effects over time.
Despite these warnings, practitioners like Dr. Movshovich argue that many risks listed by the AAO are unfounded. However, experts such as Canadian optometrist Dr. Julian Prosia advocate for the continued use of colored contact lenses over permanent procedures, citing insufficient long-term research on safety.
Dogan, aware of the risks, said her decision was influenced by a friend and plastic surgeon who had successfully undergone the procedure. “When people ask if I have contact lenses, I can proudly say, ‘No, these are my eyes,’” she said.
The AAO continues to caution against cosmetic eye surgeries, advising patients to weigh the risks against potential benefits carefully. Meanwhile, interest in keratopigmentation remains high, fueled by the promise of a permanent transformation and growing social media visibility.
