Can laser eye surgery change eye color?

Ever wondered if laser eye surgery could change your eye color?

Maybe you’ve heard rumors online or seen videos claiming eye color changes after LASIK. So, let’s set the record straight.

Laser eye surgery does not change your eye color.

It’s a common question, and we understand why it comes up. Your eyes are a big part of your identity, and any procedure involving them naturally raises concerns. But LASIK, PRK, and other types of laser vision correction do not affect eye color.

Let’s explain why.

What does laser eye surgery actually do?

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. It helps fix how light enters the eye, so it can focus better on the retina.

The cornea is transparent. It has nothing to do with eye color.

Your eye color comes from the iris, which is the colored part of your eye. The laser never touches this part during LASIK or PRK.

So, your eye color stays exactly the same.

Why do some people think it changes?

Some people notice their eyes look brighter after surgery. This is usually due to:

• No more glasses lenses reflecting light
• Better light exposure in photos
• More confidence and eye contact

These changes can make your eyes seem more noticeable—but the actual color hasn’t changed.

Are there surgeries that can change eye color?

Yes, but they are not laser vision correction surgeries.

Some experimental procedures, like iris implants or laser iris depigmentation, claim to change eye color. These are not FDA-approved in the United States and carry serious risks, including vision loss.

We do not recommend these procedures.

What if you want brighter eyes?

If you want your eyes to stand out more, the safest options are:

• Colored contact lenses (for temporary change)
• Good lighting and makeup techniques
• Clear vision that lets your natural beauty shine

Once you’re free of glasses, you might be surprised at how much your natural eye color stands out.

What laser eye surgery does help with

While it won’t change your eye color, LASIK and PRK can change how you see the world.

• No more blurry vision
• No more glasses fogging up
• No more contacts to clean

That means you can enjoy clearer vision, more confidence, and a simpler daily routine.

What about eye light sensitivity?

Some patients experience mild light sensitivity after surgery. This is temporary and not related to your eye color. It’s part of the healing process and usually improves within a few weeks.

Final thoughts

Laser eye surgery won’t change your eye color—but it can change how you experience life.

Seeing clearly without glasses or contacts is a life-changing upgrade. Your eyes may not look different, but your world certainly will.

Find out if you’re a candidate

Want to explore what laser eye surgery can do for you? Take our free suitability self-test. It only takes a minute and gives you personalized results.