Eye drops that claim to alter your eye colour are a trend sweeping across TikTok, sparking concern among health professionals. Ophthalmic surgeon Dr Ali Mearza from OCL Vision has stepped in to caution users about these potentially unregulated products, which he fears could result in irreversible vision loss. He stressed: “Applying these substances to the eye can lead to infections, corneal damage, and in extreme cases, vision loss.

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

“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. These products are marketed online without proper regulation, making it difficult for consumers to discern which ones are safe.”

The doctor added: “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.”

Although the idea of eye drops changing eye colour may seem far-fetched, an expert claims it’s not entirely impossible. Certain glaucoma treatments, for instance, can cause eye pigmentation to darken as a side effect.

However, the surgeon expresses concern over the popularity of these products among young people on TikTok, particularly given the dramatic transformation videos. He cautioned: “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.” Instead, he advises those interested to “consult with qualified healthcare professionals before trying any cosmetic procedures or products” and recommends safer alternatives, such as prescription coloured contact lenses, to alter eye appearance.

According to the NHS, more than 2 million people are living with sight loss in the UK. Their website states: “Of these, around 340,000 are registered as blind or partially sighted.

“Being told you have a visual impairment that can’t be treated can be difficult to come to terms with. Some people go through a process similar to bereavement, where they experience a range of emotions including shock, anger, and denial, before eventually coming to accept their condition.”

Specialist referral for sight loss

The NHS says: “If you’re blind or partially sighted, you may be referred to a specialist low-vision clinic, which is often located within a hospital. Staff at the clinic can help you understand your condition and come to terms with your diagnosis.

“They can also advise you about practical things, such as lighting and vision aids, and let you know about further sources of help and support. “Ask your local hospital if they have an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO), whose role involves providing support to people with vision loss in eye clinics.”