Harley Street Eye Surgeon Debunks Dangerous Tiktok Trend That Could Lead to Sight Loss

A dangerous new trend circulating on TikTok has caught the attention of health professionals and social media users alike, with young people experimenting with highly unregulated eye drops in a bid to change their eye colour. This practice poses significant risks, including the potential for severe vision impairment.

These eye drops, which are often sold online, claim to alter eye colour by changing the amount of melanin in the iris. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

Mr Ali Mearza, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at OCL Vision warns that the use of these unregulated products can have dire consequences for eye health.

“The allure of changing one’s eye colour may seem harmless, but these eye drops can contain harmful ingredients that are not approved for such use,” Mearza states. “Applying these substances to the eye can lead to infections, corneal damage, and in extreme cases, vision loss.”

“These products are marketed online without proper regulation, making it difficult for consumers to discern which ones are safe. They do not undergo any tests or trials so nobody actually knows if they work or not or if the products have been packaged in a sterile manner. To add insult to injury, if the product doesn’t work or there are complications, there is limited recourse as the products are unregulated.”

The trend has gained traction due to viral videos showcasing the dramatic colour transformation.

“Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing information, but it can also spread dangerous trends,” Mearza cautions. “Young people should be particularly vigilant and consult with qualified healthcare professionals before trying any cosmetic procedures or products, especially those applied to sensitive areas like the eyes.”

“In addition to the immediate risks, the long-term effects of using unregulated eye drops remain largely unknown. There has been no research into the active ingredients in the products which supposedly make a difference to eye colour. This is problematic, especially when used daily as suggested.

“There are drops, such as prostaglandin analogues used in glaucoma treatment, which can result in deeper pigmentation of the eye and the surrounding skin. However, this is generally an unwanted side effect and normally causes the eye to appear darker, rather than going lighter, as the viral trend promotes.”

“The eye is an incredibly delicate organ, and what may seem like a simple cosmetic change can have irreversible consequences,” Mearza adds. “I urge anyone considering these products to think twice and prioritise their health over trends.”

“I have already done a video highlighting the trend of iris colour-changing tattooing and its dangers as well as cosmetic iris implants and the risks to vision. It’s unfortunate that videos promoting these dangerous techniques still amass thousands of views on TikTok and Instagram.”

For those interested in changing their eye appearance safely, Mearza recommends consulting with an optician for safe alternatives. “There are safer temporary options available, such as coloured contact lenses prescribed by a qualified professional,” he advises.

Mearza also stresses the importance of educating young people about the potential risks associated with unregulated beauty products. “It’s crucial to foster a culture of safety and awareness in beauty practices, especially when it comes to something as vital as our vision.”

As the trend continues to spread on TikTok, health experts urge social media platforms to take action against the promotion of unsafe products and practices. “We need to hold brands and influencers accountable for the information they share,” Mearza concludes. “Our health should never be compromised for the sake of a trend.”

Image 1 – A patient with an iris implant that Dr Mearza had to operate on.

Image credit: OCL Vision

Main image: Photo by Arteum.ro on Unsplash