Questions
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions. Don't hesitate to contact us for further information.
Who can change their eye colour?
In principle, keratopigmentation is suitable for anyone over the age of majority. At the pre-operative appointment, the surgeon will examine your eyes, looking for any possible contraindications and checking that all conditions are met for the operation. This preliminary examination is essential to ensure that the operation is feasible and that there are no contraindications.
What are the contraindications to keratopigmentation?
As with all surgical procedures, there are absolute and relative contraindications.
The main contraindications are corneal diseases that do not allow keratopigmentation surgery, such as keratoconus, radial keratotomy or corneal transplantation. Previous Lasik surgery is also a contraindication. In all cases, only an in-depth consultation can determine the feasibility of keratopigmentation.
What are the risks of keratopigmentation?
No surgical operation is risk-free. Those initiated by keratopigmentation are very low. No intraocular complications have been reported in the ten years or so since the procedure was first introduced. Rather, these are temporary adverse effects.
What are the side effects after keratopigmentation?
After the operation, the patient most frequently experiences a sensation of foreign bodies and the eye becomes dry. This sensation generally subsides within 72 hours, or within a few days at the latest. The patient may also experience glare, which is also temporary.
Is the keratopigmentation operation painful?
The operation is absolutely painless, and is performed under local anaesthetic using anaesthetic drops. Some patients experience slight pressure or discomfort.
Can I practice sports after keratopigmentation?
Yes, with the exception of sports that can cause eye trauma, such as boxing or rugby. A one-month waiting period is required before resuming sport.
How is the colour chosen?
During the pre-op appointment, the surgeon will determine the colour with you, based on a color chart. At your request, a computer simulation can also be carried out. For each hue (blue, green or honey), a degree of intensity is chosen (weak, medium and strong), enabling the pigment to be measured out. During the operation, it is also possible to gradually increase the intensity.
What pigments are used for keratopigmentation?
The colour pigments used in keratopigmentation are manufactured in France or Switzerland, and the materials used comply with French and European legislation. To date, no complications have been reported.
Does keratopigmentation change over time?
Colour change is permanent. There have been a few rare cases of a decrease in intensity, but it is possible to add pigment later on. In the opposite case, if the patient so wishes, some of the colour can be removed but residual pigment will remain. This technique is likely to be improved in the future, but you should be aware that this procedure is permanent and that only adjustments are possible. Most often, there is a slight reduction in pigmentation in the weeks that follow. In some cases, however, the loss of initial pigmentation may be more significant. This phenomenon, known as "fading", can occur in up to 20% of cases and may require retouching (new pigmentation).
Does keratopigmentation put my eyesight at risk?
Keratopigmentation is a non-invasive technique that does not affect the inner eye tissue, but only the cornea (the transparent outer layer of the eye). As a result, no complications or changes in eyesight have been reported to date.
Keratopigmentation: how long does it take to see results?
Results are immediate as soon as the procedure is completed. During the first 6 months, a slight reduction in pigmentation may appear.
Is the laser used for keratopigmentation reliable?
The laser used is the same as that used for refractive surgery (myopia, presbyopia, hyperopia): a femtosecond laser. Surgeons have been using it on a daily basis for 20 years now, and it's a reliable, high-performance laser.
Can I have refractive surgery at the same time as keratopigmentation?
No, the 2 procedures cannot be performed simultaneously, but they are not incompatible. Your surgeon will tell you in what order you should proceed.
Do I have to change my ID card after keratopigmentation?
Yes, your photo ID must be changed.
How much does a keratopigmentation procedure cost?
The total cost of keratopigmentation is 6,500 euros for both eyes. This amount includes the clinic and laser fees, the purchase of pigment and the doctor's fees. If pigment needs to be added within a year (if the pigment loses its intensity), the cost of the procedure is 2,000 euros.
