Eye Colour Change (Keratopigmentation)

Keratopigmentation changes the visible colour of the eye: 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. The procedure takes about 30 minutes per eye under anaesthetic drops. It is purely cosmetic, and 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. 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. 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. The realistic result and the risks are explained to you in writing before you decide.

The cost depends on the scope of the procedure, the technique, the hospital and your accommodation choice. After a physician's assessment, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote; getting a quote is free.

Your quote lists the hospital and physician fees, required tests, check-ups, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and, on request, hotel accommodation as separate items. Flights are not included; we can help organise them if you wish.

The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes. Anaesthesia: local anaesthesia.

Hospital stay: discharged the same day. The total stay in Türkiye is usually planned at 3–5 days; your physician confirms the exact length at your check-up.

Every medical procedure carries risk: infection, bleeding, anaesthesia-related problems and healing that differs from what was expected are the main ones. To reduce risk, the procedure is performed by a specialist at a licensed hospital after pre-operative tests. Your physician explains the risks specific to you at your examination.

Desk work is usually possible within 3 days and sport after 2 weeks. These times vary from person to person.

No external incision. Scars are noticeable in the first months and fade with time; how they heal depends on your skin.

The first change is visible as swelling settles; the final result appears in about 1 month. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.

Out of respect for patient privacy and under healthcare regulations, patient photos are shared only with the patient's consent. In your consultation the physician explains what is realistic in your case.

There is no single “best clinic” for everyone; for a safe choice, check these: a Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate, the name of the hospital and the operating surgeon, a written plan based on a physician's assessment, an itemised quote and aftercare. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye; it publishes its authorisation, TÜRSAB and ISO certificates on this site and gives you all of this in writing with your quote.

Like any operation, Eye Colour Change carries risks, and the risk depends far more on where and by whom it is done than on the country. The serious cases reported in the press have mostly involved unlicensed premises, non-specialists or too many procedures in one session. A safe choice means a hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, a named specialist surgeon, an anaesthetist, pre-operative tests and a long enough stay. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye, and you receive the hospital and surgeon details in writing before you travel.

The difference comes mainly from lower operating and staff costs and the exchange rate; implants, materials and techniques follow the same international standards. Even so, do not choose on price alone: check the hospital licence, the surgeon’s specialty and exactly what the package includes.

From Malta there are direct flights to Istanbul of around two and a half to three hours; from Australia the journey usually involves one connection and takes 20 hours or more. The longer the flight home, the longer you should stay in Istanbul after Eye Colour Change, so that your surgeon can check you before travelling. On a long-haul flight wear compression stockings, walk regularly and drink water. Your reports are prepared in English and a New City Clinic coordinator follows your recovery remotely once you are home.