Ophthalmologist warns about TikTok's viral eye color changing drops

As Halloween approaches, a worrying new trend has emerged on TikTok in which users are promoting eye drops that claim to change eye color by lightening the iris. Consultant ophthalmologist Alex Day, an expert in eye surgery and vision health, strongly warns the public and urges them to avoid these viral products. According to Mr. Day, these eye drops pose serious health risks, including potential vision loss, and should be approached with extreme caution.

The eye drops in question have become very popular on TikTok, especially among users who want to change their eye color in time for Halloween. One particular video posted by the account @fancydropsbeauty has garnered a lot of attention. In the video, the eye drops are marketed as a quick and easy solution to brighter eyes by reducing the brown pigment melanin in the iris. This has sparked growing interest among individuals who want a temporary eye color change to complement their Halloween costumes.

However, Mr Day warns that this practice is not only dangerous but also based on misinformation.

“The first ingredient listed in these drops is something called 'Fancy Complex™', which is not a recognized substance in ophthalmology or the broader medical field,” he explains. “Without knowing exactly what this ingredient is, we cannot assess its safety or effectiveness.” Mr. Day goes on to explain that unregulated products like this can pose serious risks because the ingredients have not undergone the rigorous testing required for substances are used in eye treatments.

In addition to the mysterious “Fancy Complex™,” these drops contain several ingredients commonly found in standard eye drop solutions. However, the final ingredient – ​​Ganoderma extract – is of greatest concern. For Ganoderma, a Chinese medicinal mushroom, there are no published studies supporting its use in eye care, let alone its effectiveness or safety in changing eye color. “Use extreme caution when it comes to your eyes. All foreign substances entering the eye should be thoroughly tested and approved, and this product clearly does not meet those standards,” says Mr. Day.

The lack of scientific studies on the safety or effectiveness of these eye drops makes it clear that they are unsafe. Mr Day emphasizes that the use of such products without proper research and regulation could lead to serious harm such as infection, inflammation or even permanent vision problems.

This trend is just one of several worrying developments occurring around Halloween. Products that change or improve the appearance of the eyes, such as: B. special effect lenses or eye drops tend to be increasingly popular this season. Mr Day advises people to be particularly wary of products that claim to temporarily or permanently change eye color, warning that the risks far outweigh the potential benefits.

“If someone wants to change their eye color, colored prescription contact lenses are the safest option,” advises Mr Day. “However, these also involve risks and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified contact lens specialist.”

He emphasizes that no treatment or product that claims to alter the natural color of healthy eyes has been proven to be safe. Using unregulated eye drops with unknown ingredients could have dangerous consequences, even for those seeking only a temporary effect.

Earlier this year, Mr. Day expressed similar concerns about keratopigmentation, a permanent surgery to change eye color that has gained attention in certain cosmetic circles. He continues to emphasize the dangers of attempting to change eye color, whether through invasive procedures or untested products. “The reality is simple,” Mr. Day says. “You can’t safely change your eye color. Eye health should always take priority over aesthetics.”

Finally, Mr Day offers some advice for anyone wanting to change their look for Halloween: “Embrace your natural eye color. The pattern of your irises is unique to you.” If a temporary change is desired, he recommends using colored contact lenses approved by a healthcare professional. Ultimately, the risks associated with untested, unregulated products are too great to ignore, and the potential for permanent harm far outweighs any short-term aesthetic gain.