How Laser Iris Depigmentation Works – Technical Overview

Laser iris depigmentation describes the scientific mechanism behind the My Lumineyes^® concept. Instead of cutting the eye or placing an implant, a specific laser wavelength is used to selectively disrupt excess melanin granules within the iris stroma. This page explains the logic, parameters and limitations of the technique for patients who want to understand the medical side in more depth.

What Is Iris Depigmentation?

The iris color is determined mainly by the density and distribution of melanin in the stromal layer. In dark brown eyes, melanin is packed densely. In lighter eyes, there is less pigment and more visible stromal collagen. Laser iris depigmentation aims to reduce excessive stromal melanin step by step, without harming the sphincter muscle, pupil function or deeper ocular structures.

In the My Lumineyes^® protocol, the laser energy is applied in small, precisely placed spots. The goal is not to “burn” tissue but to fragment melanin granules into smaller particles that can be gradually cleared by the eye’s natural outflow pathways.

Basic Principles of the Lumineyes^® Protocol

• Selective targeting: The wavelength and pulse duration are chosen to interact preferentially with melanin, not with transparent ocular tissues.
• Low-fluence, repeated sessions: Instead of a few aggressive shots, the protocol uses many low-intensity sessions to stay within safe biological limits.
• Patterned spots: Energy is distributed in a controlled pattern over the iris to avoid hot spots and structural weakening.
• Progressive clearance: Fragmented pigment is removed gradually through the trabecular meshwork and uveoscleral outflow.

If you want a patient-friendly explanation of the clinical process, including consultation, preparation and follow-up, please see our
how to change eye color with laser guide.

From Depigmentation Logic to the Clinical Procedure

The clinical laser eye color change procedure offered at My Lumineyes^® is built on this depigmentation logic but goes beyond pure physics. It includes careful candidate selection, grading of baseline iris pigmentation, individualized session planning and continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure and ocular surface health.

For a general overview of the treatment from a patient perspective, you can read our main
laser eye color change procedure page, which focuses more on expectations, comfort and decision-making rather than technical details. From a structural point of view, the laser primarily interacts with melanin granules located in the anterior border layer and stroma, not with the deeper pigment epithelium. A basic overview of ocular
anatomy can be found on the National Eye Institute (NEI) website.

Session Planning and Pigment Grades

The number of sessions is not the same for every eye. It depends on the initial pigment grade and the desired end point within safe limits. Light brown or hazel eyes typically need fewer sessions, while very dark, Grade 4 brown eyes may require many more low-intensity sessions to reach a noticeable but stable lightening.

• Grade 1–2: Mildly pigmented irises. Fewer sessions, faster visible change.
• Grade 3: Medium brown eyes. Intermediate number of sessions, progressive change.
• Grade 4: Very dark brown eyes. May need 40 or more sessions to achieve a controlled, uniform lightening.

Each eye is evaluated individually. The objective is not to force all irises to the same color, but to reduce excessive pigment to a level that looks harmonious with the patient’s natural anatomy.

Safety Considerations in Laser Iris Depigmentation

Because the laser interacts with melanin, the protocol is designed around safety margins. Energy, spot size, duration and total number of pulses are all chosen to avoid carbonization, stromal thinning or thermal damage to the iris sphincter. Intraocular pressure and anterior chamber status are monitored before and during the course of treatment.

• No intraocular implants are placed.
• No corneal tattooing or keratopigmentation is used.
• No incisions are made in the globe.
• The iris architecture and pupil dynamics are preserved.

For patients who wish to understand financial aspects and risk–benefit balance in more detail, please visit our
laser eye color change cost and risks page.

Color Evolution After Depigmentation

Color does not change overnight. After each session, disrupted pigment is gradually cleared over days to weeks. Early in the process, the eye may look slightly heterogeneous as different regions respond at different speeds. With proper spacing and protocol adherence, the color becomes more uniform as the course progresses.

The final shade depends on the initial density of melanin, individual biology and how far the protocol is safely carried. The goal is a natural-looking, brighter and lighter iris, not an artificial, painted appearance.

If you would like to see real clinical outcomes of this process, you can review our
laser eye color change before–after photos in Turkey gallery.

Limitations of Laser Iris Depigmentation

Even with a carefully designed protocol, there are limits. Not every eye can safely reach the same level of lightening, and not every patient is an ideal candidate. Eyes with pre-existing glaucoma, advanced endothelial compromise, uncontrolled inflammation or certain anatomical variants may not be suitable.

• Results are not identical for every patient, even with the same grade.
• There is a biological ceiling for how much pigment can be reduced safely.
• Correct expectations and proper indication are as important as the device itself.

This is why a detailed ophthalmologic examination and discussion with the treating doctor are essential before any decision is made.

Important: This page is intended as a technical explanation of the depigmentation concept behind the My Lumineyes^® method and does not replace an in-person ophthalmologic consultation.