Laser Eye Color Change – My Lumineyes® Procedure

What is laser eye color change?

Laser eye color change is a non-incisional iris depigmentation treatment. A specific laser wavelength is directed onto the front layers of the iris to fragment melanin pigment. As the fragmented pigment is cleared through the eye’s natural drainage system, the iris becomes lighter and more reflective. Brown eyes can gradually shift towards hazel, green, grey or lighter brown tones, depending on your starting pigment density.

In everyday language some people call this a “laser eye color change surgery”, but it is not a cutting surgery and no incisions, implants or foreign materials are used.

The My Lumineyes® method does not involve:

• Artificial iris implants placed inside the eye,
• Corneal tattooing or keratopigmentation,
• Cosmetic dyes or permanent inks applied to the eye,
• Unregulated eye drops that may darken the iris or harm eye structures.

Instead, Lumineyes® uses a controlled medical protocol, designed and performed by an ophthalmologist, to work with your natural iris structure rather than against it. For a comparison with surgical options, you can review our eye color change surgery overview.

How does the Lumineyes® laser protocol work?

Eye color is mainly determined by the amount and distribution of melanin in the iris. Dark brown eyes contain a dense pigment layer, while hazel, green, grey and blue eyes have less melanin. The Lumineyes® laser protocol targets this pigment in a progressive and controlled way.

During the procedure:

• The eye is examined under the microscope and photographed to map the iris safely.
• Laser parameters are customised according to iris color, grade and tissue response.
• Short laser pulses are applied in specific zones of the iris in each session.
• Pigment particles are broken into smaller fragments and cleared over time.

The change does not happen in a single shot. It is a gradual process, with intervals between sessions so the eye can adapt and the pigment clearance can be monitored. This staged approach helps us protect the cornea, lens, retina and intraocular pressure while still achieving a significant cosmetic effect.

Who is a good candidate for laser eye color change?

Not every patient is suitable for laser eye color change. Before considering treatment, a full ophthalmic examination is essential. We evaluate corneal health, iris structure, anterior chamber depth, intraocular pressure and retina, as well as your general medical history.

In general, you may be considered a candidate if:

• You have healthy eyes without uncontrolled glaucoma or active inflammation.
• You do not have corneal ectasia, advanced cataract or severe dry eye disease.
• You are not pregnant and do not have systemic conditions that would make laser unsafe.
• You understand that the goal is to lighten the iris, not to “paint” a fixed color code.

According to our protocol, lower pigment grades usually need fewer sessions, while very dark Grade 4 eyes often require a higher number of sessions to reach a safe and visible lightening. The exact plan is always customised after your examination and discussion with the doctor.

How many sessions are usually required?

The number of sessions depends on your starting eye color, iris thickness, pigment density and your target shade. There is no single formula that fits every patient. In some lower grade cases, a limited number of sessions may be enough for a natural hazel or light brown result. In darker eyes, more sessions are needed to obtain a safe and cosmetically meaningful change.

Between sessions, the eye continues to clear pigment and the color may keep evolving. For this reason, we do not rush treatment. We monitor how your eyes respond, adjust the laser pattern if necessary and decide together when the result is both medically acceptable and cosmetically satisfying.

During your consultation, you will receive an estimated session range based on your eye grade, but it is important to understand that individual biological response can vary. The priority is always long-term eye health rather than reaching a specific tone in the shortest possible time.

What kind of results can you expect?

With the Lumineyes® method, the aim is to obtain a lighter, brighter and more homogeneous iris color that still looks natural on your face. Typical trends include dark brown eyes becoming lighter brown, hazel, greenish or greyish tones depending on the initial pigmentation and the final stage of treatment.

However, no responsible ophthalmologist can guarantee an exact final shade or a specific color code before starting. The final tone is the combination of your natural pigment architecture, the total laser effect and how your eyes heal. In some cases, mild residual pigment or natural iris asymmetry can remain, which is normal and consistent with a genuine, non-artificial result.

High-quality pre- and post-treatment photographs are used to document your progress. To see examples of typical changes, you can review our before and after laser eye color change photos.

Safety, risks and side effects

Any laser procedure on the eye must be taken seriously. While the Lumineyes® protocol is designed to minimise risk, side effects can still occur, especially if the laser is used aggressively or without proper indication. This is why we insist on detailed pre-assessment, conservative planning and regular follow-up.

Possible issues can include temporary light sensitivity, mild inflammation, pressure fluctuations or, in rare cases, more serious complications if the treatment is done without respecting safety limits. In our clinic, intraocular pressure, corneal health and retinal status are monitored throughout the process.

For a more detailed explanation of potential risks, contraindications and how we manage them, please read our dedicated page on laser eye color change cost & risks. This will help you understand both the advantages and the medical responsibilities of this procedure.

For general ophthalmic safety guidelines on laser-based eye procedures, you can also review the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s official resource on laser eye treatments.

How is Lumineyes® different from implants and cosmetic methods?

Some patients who contact us have previously considered artificial iris implants, keratopigmentation or permanent cosmetic coloring procedures. Although these methods can change the appearance of the eyes, they often involve higher structural risk or an artificial look.

With artificial iris implants, a foreign body is placed inside the eye, which can lead to chronic inflammation, glaucoma, corneal decompensation and even irreversible vision loss. Keratopigmentation, or corneal tattooing, involves placing pigment in the corneal tissue and can cause irregular vision or long-term surface problems.

The Lumineyes® laser technique does not implant or tattoo anything. It works on the iris pigment itself, aiming for a more physiological and reversible-direction change. For more detailed comparisons, you can refer to our pages on keratopigmentation eye color change and artificial color iris implants.

Planning your treatment in Istanbul

My Lumineyes® is based in Istanbul, Turkey and receives patients from many parts of the world. Before you arrange your travel, we recommend an online pre-evaluation with photos and a short medical history. This allows us to give you a realistic idea about suitability, approximate session numbers and expected length of stay.

If you decide to proceed, our team will help you coordinate appointment dates, discuss logistics and explain what to expect on each day of treatment. You will also receive written instructions about eye drops, follow-up controls and how to protect your eyes after the procedure.

To contact the clinic directly, you can use our contact and appointment page or send an e-mail with clear eye photographs. We will answer with honest, medically grounded information so that you can decide in an informed and safe way.