It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since singer and Xcape member, Tameka "Tiny" Harris had undergone a procedure to turn her original eye color to a permanent “ice grey” hue. The wife of rapper/actor T.I., made the announcement on her Instagram in a post (which has been since been taken down), writing:
“I permanently changed my eye color with Brightocular and loving it! Thank you Dr. Montasser Menif for the amazing experience and for making my dream come true..."
But that "dream come true" could mean a nightmare for your eyesight if you're not careful.
How to Change Eye Color
There are several ways to change your eye color, including:
- Keratopigmentation
Also known as eye tattooing, this surgery involves using a laser or needle to create a space in the cornea and injecting a color pigment. This permanently changes the cornea from clear to opaque, covering the iris's natural color. Possible risks include vision loss, light sensitivity, and damage to the cornea that can lead to fluid leakage, warpage, and cloudiness. - Artificial iris
This controversial surgical procedure involves using an artificial iris to permanently change your eye color in minutes. It's popular among celebrities, but many doctors warn that it can lead to severe eye damage. - Cosmetic iris implants
While this procedure exists, it's not FDA-approved due to its high level of risk. Some people travel to countries like Latin America or Africa for the surgery, but the still-experimental nature of the procedure puts patients at risk because surgeons may not follow proper standards. Side effects may be irreversible and could take years to develop, or they might be seen immediately following the surgery. - Prescription-colored contact lenses
This is a temporary way to change your eye color.
How Tiny Changed Her Eye Color
Even though there were a number of different opportunities to permanently change her eye color, she chose the iris implant method.
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Even though iris implants are marketed on the Internet as a safe way to change your eye color, studies of people who've had the procedure show iris implants can seriously damage eyes and vision. In one case, a patient lost most of her natural irises in both eyes. As a result, she suffered severe light sensitivity and lost much of her vision.
"Some online discussions say the procedure is safe, claiming that 'the technology used is similar to that used to treat cataracts'; this is inaccurate as well as misleading," says ophthalmologist James Tsai, MD, a glaucoma specialist at Yale University who has led research on iris implants. "We strongly caution people against having cosmetic iris implant surgery."
The successful singer and songwriter has made a name for herself being the star of not one, but two reality shows based off her family's life while still navigating being a wife and mother and businesswoman.
During iris-implant surgery like Tiny's, an artificial iris made of silicone is folded and inserted into a slit that has been cut into the cornea. Then the iris is unfolded and adjusted to cover the natural iris. Local anesthesia is used.
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Side Effects and Complications to Eye Surgery
Studies show that serious complications of the iris-implant procedure can include:
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- Reduced vision or blindness
- Elevated pressure inside the eye that can lead to glaucoma, a potentially blinding disease
- Cataract (clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens)
- Injury to the cornea, the clear outer area of the eye that focuses light and makes vision possible. If severe enough, a corneal transplant may be needed
- Inflammation of the iris or areas around it, leading to pain, blurred vision and...
... tearing
- When complications occur, the implants often must be removed via additional surgery, which carries its own risks of damaging the eye. In one study, nine of 14 patients needed their implants removed.
How Much Does Eye Color Surgery Really Cost?
Iris implant surgery is not approved by the FDA for any reason other than to treat a medical condition. There are practitioners overseas who will perform the procedure at costs well in excess of $10,000. not including travel costs.
What Does Recovery Look Like After Eye Surgery?
For the first 24 to 48 hours after iris implant surgery, your eye may feel slightly gritty or scratchy, and your eyes may be teary and sensitive to light. It is not uncommon for your vision to remain slightly blurry for the first week or so.5
A protective eye patch may be needed to prevent you from touching or scratching the eye while you sleep. Recovery time can range anywhere from two to eight weeks.
While we don't know all the issues, if any, Tiny has experienced over the years with her new eye color, we do know that it does have to be monitored and we wish her the best for decades to come.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Eye and Vision center for more articles.
