1. How is it possible to change the color of the eye?
An intraocular implant is placed in the anterior chamber of the eye to change the appearance of the iris.
Medically, it can be used in patients with iris abnormalities such as ocular albinism, coloboma, total/partial aniridia as well as heterochromia and iris atrophy. These implants are able to decrease photophobia and project the form of a healthy iris for patients with irregular iris appearance.
The implants are also available as a way for healthy and safe individuals to alter their eye color and serves as an alternative to colored contact lenses for those wishing to achieve permanent cosmetic results.
2. Which implant is used at Habash eye center?
At Habash eye center the only implant used is Brightocular.
3. Why should I choose BrightOcular? How is it different than what is already out there?
BrightOcular is a distinct, cutting-edge technology that offers excellent cosmetic results, while taking into account the anatomy and physiology of the eye. The patented design of the BrightOcular implant minimizes the risks of prolonged pressure increases in the eye that can lead to glaucoma and blindness.
4. Is BrightOcular similar to another implant used in Panama?
BrightOcular is a distinct, individual entity that is not affiliated with any other company offering intraocular cosmetic procedures. The BrightOcular implant is unique from any other ophthalmic implant in the market today due to it's distinguishing structural features which separate it from any other existing cosmetic artificial iris implant. These patented structural features make the BrightOcular implant safer by minimizing risks of prolonged elevated eye pressure unlike other intraocular implants on the market. The BrightOcular implant also is made with FDA approved materials which also makes it safer and unique. The Brightocular implanting method is done by using an injector as opposed to Kahn Medical implant from Panama that is manually implanted due to its flimsy unstable material increasing risk of trauma and endothelium cell loss when implanting.
The United States Brightocular 2012 patent # 8197540 is the only artificial iris implant in the world with patented grooves and ribs on the posterior surface minimizing iris contact, which ensures a continuous flow of aqueous humor between the implant and the iris reducing possibility of iris atrophy, iritis, and increase of eye pressure or glaucoma as seen in published reports of Kahn Medicals 2003 Newiris implant patent # 7025781 from Panama.
Doctor Salman Habash who perform the BrightOcular procedures is well-reputed and experienced in the ophthalmology field who has performed several thousands of ocular surgeries.
5. How will BrightOcular affect my current vision?
The goal of the BrightOcular is not to correct decreased vision or refractive errors of the eye, rather it is to project a healthy colored iris and protect the eye from excessive sunlight (photosensitivity). Patients will still need to wear refractive instruments to correct their vision if they do before the surgery.
You may still perform LASIK treatments with the BrightOcular, but any LASIK surgery should be completed at least three months before the procedure or three months after the procedure.
6. What are the risks of the surgery? Is the implant material safe?
This intraocular implant material is a medical grade silicone which is currently used in many different intraocular lenses including those used in cases of cataract or for vision correction. The silicone material is safe and has passed ISO standardized regulations for manufacturing and testing. It is inert, non-toxic, and biocompatible with the human body. The implant is made to last the lifetime of the patient.
Proper patient selection is very important for the success of the procedure. You must have a careful ophthalmic examination and your ophthalmic tests will be evaluated by our surgeon prior the surgery.
Potential intraocular implant complications are infections, ocular hypertension, iritis, corneal edema, corneal decompensation, and photophobia. Implants can be removed if any side effect occur.
7. Am I a good candidate for the procedure? What tests are required?
In order to determine your eligibility for the procedure, you must undergo a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This will include:
•Visual acuity and refraction
•Intraocular pressure
•Anterior chamber depth of the eye
•White to white corneal diameter
•Gonioscopy of anterior chamber angle
•Peripheral retinal examination and axial length of the eye
•Endothelium cell count, specular microscopy
8. Do you have any ocular medical history?
Systemic disease (Diabetes Mellitus, Behcet’s Disease, Any Collagen Tissue Disease)
AIDS
Hepatitis B/C
Previous uveitis attack
Past/Current medication
9. How long does the surgery take?
The implantation procedure is about 15 minutes per eye.
10. Will I feel pain during the surgery?
The procedure is performed under topical or general anesthesia. This maintains adequate anesthesia so the patient does not feel pain during the surgery.
11. Can the implant be removed or replaced?
Yes, the implant can be removed and replaced anytime after implantation.
12. How long is the recovery period? Do I have to take medication?
The recovery period is different for each individual. It is normal to feel itching and some mild discomfort after the surgery. You may also have tearing from your eye and be sensitive to light. After a couple of days, all discomfort should disappear.
You may feel blurred vision and see redness of the eyes during the first 2 weeks after the surgery. In about 2 weeks you will gain your previous visual acuity, however this period is up to 1 month for some patients. Your doctor will prescribe medications to prevent infection and inflammation during the recovery period. The medication regimen for drops is for approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Although full recovery time differs from patient to patient, it typically on average takes between one and two months. For some cases we have seen patients recovery take 4 to 6 months.
13. What can’t/shouldn’t I do after the surgery?
Normally you can go home on the same day of your surgery, but you won't be able to drive. It's a good idea to make sure you have necessary help because your doctor may limit activities such as bending and lifting for a few days. During recovery; avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye, do not lift any heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores.
After recovery, patients can do any of their normal activities but are asked to limit swimming in the first three months. Any LASIK treatments should be completed at least three months before the procedure or three months after the procedure.
14.Does the BrightOcular implant use biocompatible materials?
BrightOcular is made of medical grade silicone and colorants that have been tested and is USP VI certified. The materials used in the implant have been approved for use in implantable devices by the FDA.
15.Can one go blind having brightocular ?
BrightOcular has been tested on animals successfully with no harm or vision loss. Surgeries have been carried out since 2010 with no patient going blind from the intraocular implantation technique.
16. Is Brightocular FDA approved ?
As many medical devices, brightocular is first filing internationally, CE mark which is the equivalent to FDA in Europe. Next step would be to file with the FDA, however all materials used in Brightocular implant are FDA approved and biocomptible.