Eye Health

Eye Colour Change in Istanbul, Turkey: Is Keratopigmentation Safe? What to Know First

New City Clinic Editorial Team · 28 October 2026 · 6 min read

Eye Colour Change in Istanbul, Turkey: Is Keratopigmentation Safe? What to Know First | New City Clinic

Changing eye colour is one of the most searched cosmetic eye procedures. Methods differ a great deal in safety, so it is worth understanding them before looking at any offer. This guide explains keratopigmentation, the risks, and what New City Clinic does not arrange.

How keratopigmentation works

A femtosecond laser creates a ring-shaped tunnel in the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye, and medical pigment is placed inside it. The iris itself is not touched. It takes about 30 minutes per eye under anaesthetic drops, and you usually stay 3–5 days in Istanbul.

Who should not have it

It is purely cosmetic, so suitability is decided after a detailed examination including corneal thickness, the pupil and eye pressure. It is not recommended with dry eye, corneal disease or glaucoma.

Risks to know

Light sensitivity, glare and dry eye can occur. The colour may fade over the years and at close range it can look different from a natural eye. Removing the pigment later is only partly possible.

What we do not arrange

New City Clinic does not arrange cosmetic artificial iris implants, because they have been linked to serious harm such as glaucoma, cataract and corneal damage, and laser lightening of the iris has not been shown to be safe.

Before you decide

You receive the realistic result and the risks in writing before deciding, together with a written quote that includes the examination, the procedure, check-ups, hotel, transfers and interpreter. Flights are not included.

Eye colour change in Turkey with New City Clinic

New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about eye colour change in Turkey, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.

Aftercare

Medication and check-ups

Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.

Smoking and alcohol

Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.

Movement and rest

Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.

When to get in touch

Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.

Frequently asked questions

Is the new colour permanent?

It is long-lasting but can fade over the years.

Can both eyes be done on the same day?

Often yes; the doctor decides after the examination.

Does it affect vision?

It is designed not to cover the pupil, but glare and light sensitivity can occur; this is explained before treatment.

Deciding on eye colour change in Turkey is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.

This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Get your free quote today

Send your photos and questions; a surgeon’s assessment and your quote usually arrive within 24 hours. The consultation is free and without obligation.

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