Lasik surgery is an increasingly popular way to repair and enhance one’s vision. However, some who receive this treatment are concerned about the possible side effects of such a procedure since Lasik is relatively new in terms of its availability.
One of the concerns that is commonly fielded is whether Lasik is going to change the color of one’s eyes. The answer to this question is typically no, though there are urban legends about patients’ experiences with this.
Does Lasik Affect Eye Color?
If you’re interested in receiving iDesign Lasik surgery in Los Angeles, take a look at this article describing why you shouldn’t worry about eye color changes with the procedure.
What is Lasik?
LASIK is a vision correction procedure that involves hitting the eyes with a high-powered laser in order to induce vision correction in a patient. This procedure has the potential to help the eyes to focus light properly on one’s retina. This oftentimes results in clearer vision for a patient.
LASIK stands for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” In most cases, the procedure can have very dramatic impacts on a patient’s vision. That being said, it does not affect the color of one’s iris.
The Science Behind Eye Color
The reason that LASIK does not affect iris color is that iris color is determined genetically from birth. Very few things can have a dramatic enough impact on one’s eyes to actually change the color of one’s eyes.
Even with our more sophisticated understanding of physiology and the workings of the body, science does not fully understand what exactly determines the eye color of a patient. There are many plausible factors.
There are things that can have an influence on one’s iris color in extreme situations. Some of the factors in question include:
- Disease: Certain serious diseases can have an impact on one’s eye color.
- Age: As one ages, their eye color can change. This is especially true as one enters their elderly years.
- Medication: Certain serious medications can impact iris color.
Why Do Some People Report Eye Color Change After Lasik?
The idea that LASIK changes the color of one’s eyes is something of an urban legend. There have been anecdotal reports of this occurring here an there, but there is no scientific validation of any process ever taking place.
Some hypothesize that the pressure changes that occur in the eyes with LASIK treatments have the potential to cause a change in iris color. That being said, there is currently no scientific literature to support this.
If you have LASIK surgery planned, you shouldn’t worry too much about potentially changing the color of your eyes due to the procedure. The chance of this occurring is very slim.
Risks and Side Effects Associated with Lasik
LASIK surgery is likely not going to change the color of your eyes. However, there are some possible side effects that can take place during this procedure. Some of the common side effects of LASIK surgery include:
- Dryness in the eyes
- Glare in one’s vision
- Halos in one’s vision
- Temporary vision disturbances
However, most of these phenomena are quite temporary and shouldn’t have a long-term impact on one’s vision or health. In addition, none of these is as serious as experiencing a long-term change in the color of one’s iris. Most of these side effects will typically disappear within a matter of a few days or weeks.
Preparing for LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery is non-invasive and in general requires very little preparation. However, prior to your procedure, you’ll undergo a medical consultation with your physician. During this consultation, you’ll likely discuss a number of different elements of your personal health in regard to your procedure. Some of these include:
- Your vision history
- Any history of surgeries
- Whether you have had LASIK treatment before
- Any chronic medical conditions that might impact your procedure
Undergoing this consultation with your optometrist can give you a leg up in preparing yourself to have the best and least stressful experience possible. In addition, you’ll be able to discuss what kinds of side effects and complications you can expect to experience in the aftermath of your surgery. None of these are likely to include your iris changing color.
The Lasik Experts of Orange County
Dr. Ghosheh and the rest of the team at Advanced Eye Medical are passionate about giving the residents of Orange County and beyond the best possible Lasik experience they can. If you’re interested in seeing what Lasik surgery can do for you, contact our eye surgery center today in order to set up an appointment.