The Truth About Eye Color Changing Drops: What You Need to Know

Some information regarding cosmetic eye changes and safety from Ritz and Johnson Fashion Eyecare and Dr. Juan Menjivar.

Recently, a concerned patient brought a product into our office that she had purchased online—eye drops that claimed to change the color of her eyes. She wanted to know if they were safe to use. This sparked an important discussion about the prevalence, concerns, and considerations regarding these types of products. As your trusted optometrists at Ritz and Johnson Fashion Eyecare, we feel it’s essential to address this topic to keep you informed and safe.

Eye color changing drops have gained popularity due to their promise of a quick and easy way to alter one’s appearance. Marketed as a cosmetic solution, these drops claim to provide a temporary or even semi-permanent change in eye color. They target individuals looking for a dramatic change without the commitment of colored contact lenses. The drops often appeal to those seeking to enhance their appearance for special occasions or just for fun.

Understanding the Mechanism

These eye drops often claim to alter eye color by interacting with the melanin in the iris. The exact ingredients often include borate buffers, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, purified water, sodium bicarbonate, sodium perborate, and natural extracts like Ganoderma. While these ingredients may sound impressive, there is no evidence to support their efficacy in changing eye color.

Safety Concerns

Currently, no eye color changing drops have received FDA approval. The FDA ensures that products are safe and effective for their intended use through rigorous testing and oversight. Without this approval, there’s no guarantee that these drops are safe. Many of these products are sold online and lack consistent regulation, leading to potential variations in the concentration of active ingredients.

Potential Side Effects

Using unapproved eye drops can result in several adverse effects:

• Iris Darkening: In addition to the temporary color change, these drops may cause permanent darkening of the iris by stimulating excessive melanin production.

• Inflammation: Users may experience redness, itching, pain, or blurry vision due to inflammation caused by these drops.

• Increased Eye Pressure: Eye drops can potentially lead to increased intraocular pressure, causing glaucoma and damage over time.

• Allergic Reactions: Some users may have allergic reactions, ranging from mild itching to severe swelling of the eyes and face.

  
  

  Regulatory Warnings

  
  

  The FDA has issued several warnings and recalls related to eye drops, particularly those claiming unapproved uses. For example, products from companies like LightEyez have been found to be contaminated with bacteria and fungi, posing serious risks of eye infections and permanent vision loss.

  
  

  Unsubstantiated Claims and Misleading Information

  
  

  Many eye color changing drops make bold claims about their effectiveness, often without substantiated evidence. These products may use vague scientific terminology or falsely suggest FDA approval to gain consumer trust. It is crucial to approach these claims with skepticism and prioritize products that are backed by scientific research and regulatory approval.

  
  

  Expert Opinions

  
  

  Most eye care professionals strongly advise against using over-the-counter eye color changing drops due to the lack of regulation, lack of efficacy, and potential health risks. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association both recommend avoiding these products and opting for safer, FDA-approved methods of altering eye appearance.

  
  

  Safer Alternatives

  Colored Contact Lenses

  
  

  For those looking to change their eye color safely, colored contact lenses are a much better alternative. These lenses come in various options:

• Cosmetic Contacts: Designed to alter eye color dramatically while allowing natural vision.

  
  

• Enhancement Contacts: Subtle changes to enhance natural eye color.

  
  

• Opaque Contacts: Completely cover the natural eye color for a significant change. Some may even have patterns or dramatic appearances for use with costumes or at Halloween.

  
  

  Properly fitted and prescribed by an optometrist, colored contacts from reputable brands are safe when used as directed. They offer a reliable way to change eye color without the risks associated with unregulated eye drops.

  
  

  Natural Enhancements

  
  

  There are also natural methods to enhance your eye color:

  
  

• Eye Makeup: Using vibrant eyeliners and shadows can highlight and complement your eye color.

• Dietary Supplements: Supplements like lutein and zeaxanthin can mildly brighten yellow tones in the eyes and are important antioxidants important in maintain the health and function of the eye.

• Healthy Lifestyle: Reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and increasing Vitamin A intake through foods like carrots and sweet potatoes can improve overall eye health and appearance.

If you’re considering changing your eye color or enhancing your appearance, it’s important to do so safely. At Ritz and Johnson Fashion Eyecare in Ocala FL, we offer the newest and safest ways to achieve your desired look through prescription contacts, glasses, and pharmaceuticals. Schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists today at 352-732-7900 to discuss your options with our experienced optometrists.

Your eye health is our top priority. Let’s work together to ensure you look and feel your best, safely and effectively.

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By staying informed and choosing safe, regulated products, you can protect your vision and enjoy beautiful, vibrant eyes without unnecessary risks. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you make the best choices for your eye health and overall well-being.

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References

1. "AAFQ® Enhancement & Changing Eye Color Eye Drops (www.wizzgoo.com)." Wizzgoo. Retrieved from [Wizzgoo](https://www.wizzgoo.com).

2. "FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use certain eye drops from several major brands due to risk of eye infection." FDA. Retrieved from [FDA](https://www.fda.gov).

3. "FDA warns consumers of contaminated copycat eye drops." FDA. Retrieved from [FDA](https://www.fda.gov).

4. "FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use certain methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) eye drops due to contamination." FDA. Retrieved from [FDA](https://www.fda.gov).

5. "Microbial Contamination Found in LightEyez MSM Eye Drops." ConsumerLab.com. Retrieved from [ConsumerLab](https://www.consumerlab.com).

6. "LightEyez Limited - 665450 - 02/15/2024 | FDA." FDA. Retrieved from [FDA](https://www.fda.gov).

7. "Are eye color changing drops safe?" Color with Leo. Retrieved from [Color with Leo](https://www.colorwithleo.com).

8. "What You Should Know about Eye Drops." FDA. Retrieved from [FDA](https://www.fda.gov).