Keratopigmentation Procedure

Keratopigmentation: Safe, Permanent Eye Color Change

KERATO® is the first clinic in the Western Hemisphere dedicated exclusively to safe, permanent eye color change. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Alexander Movshovich, MD, PhD, we specialize in medical keratopigmentation performed in our New York and Miami offices. We also offer advanced laser vision correction, including LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, performed under the same surgical standards.

What Is Keratopigmentation?

Keratopigmentation is a procedure that permanently changes the apparent color of the eyes by introducing special pigment into the cornea – the clear front part of the eye. It has both cosmetic and medical applications, depending on the patient’s needs.

  • The pigment is placed in front of the natural iris color
  • The iris and the inside of the eye are not opened
  • The procedure is performed using a femtosecond laser and patented surgical systems developed by Dr. Alexander Movshovich, designed specifically for precision, safety, and controlled pigment delivery

At KERATO®, the procedure is performed by Alexander Movshovich, MD, PhD, a Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medicine and one of the most experienced keratopigmentation surgeons worldwide.

Dr. Movshovich’s Clinical & Academic Background

Since 2019, KERATO® has been the first and only U.S. practice dedicated exclusively to safe cosmetic eye color change. Developed by Alexander Movshovich, MD, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Designed to deliver permanent, natural-looking results without entering the eye or using implants.

KERATO® Patented Technologies:

  • Corneal Cutter and Method of Use (U.S. Patent No. 12,226,342 B1, Feb. 18, 2025)
  • Corneal Irrigation System and Method of Use (U.S. Patent No. 12,109,148 B1, Oct. 8, 2024)

Clinical & Academic Recognition:

  • Presented at Weill Cornell Alumni Meeting (2023)
  • Featured at ASCRS Scientific Program (2024)
  • Scientific committee member & speaker at the World Congress on Keratopigmentation (Spain, 2024)

Step by Step

How the KERATO® Procedure Works

Creation of an intracorneal tunnel

A femtosecond laser creates a small, precisely calibrated tunnel within the cornea. This step does not involve entry into the interior of the eye, avoiding the risk of intraocular complications.

Placement of the pigment

A biocompatible pigment is introduced into the laser-created tunnel, positioned in front of the natural iris. The pigment modifies the apperent eye color, creating shades such as Honey Gold, French Blue, Olive, Jade, Magical Grey, and others.

Optional postoperative refinements

When medically indicated, Dr. Movshovich may adjust color intensity and/or size and shape of the limbal ring using patented instruments during follow-up care.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Candidacy is determined through a comprehensive, in-person Pre-Procedure Eye Exam. The goal is to ensure that corneal structure, ocular health, and patient expectations align with a safe surgical outcome.

Candidates typically:

  • Are 21 years of age or older
  • Have healthy corneas and stable vision
  • Understand the procedure’s permanence and limitations
  • Prefer a permanent, non-implant- or contact lens-based method for changing eye color

The procedure is contraindicated for individuals with:

  • Radial keratotomy
  • Full-thickness corneal transplant
  • Certain corneal diseases or dystrophies
  • Uncontrolled glaucoma
  • Corneal trauma or surgical history that compromises integrity

What happens during the Pre-Procedure Eye Exam:

Direct consultation with Dr. Movshovich

Detailed assessment of corneal thickness, shape, and ocular health

High-resolution imaging and other diagnostic tests

Photo simulations showing potential outcomes with multiple KERATO® colors

The Pre-Procedure Eye Exam determines whether keratopigmentation can be performed safely and whether the expected outcome aligns with the procedure’s realistic expectations and possibilities.

How Safe Is Keratopigmentation Compared to Other Options?

Several methods exist to alter eye color, but their safety profiles vary significantly. Keratopigmentation is designed to change eye color without entering the eye or using implants.

Keratopigmentation (KERATO®)

  • Pigment placed within the cornea, not inside the eye
  • No implants or intraocular instruments
  • Risk profile comparable to other corneal refractive procedures (such as LASIK or SMILE)
  • Performed by a surgeon experienced in both eye color change and laser vision correction
  • Chosen by physicians and nurses for their own care

Other Methods:

  • Contact lenses: Non-surgical, but higher infection risk with long-term use
  • Laser iris depigmentation: Unpredictable results; risk of inflammation and glaucoma
  • Iris implants: High complication rates; often require removal
  • Scleral tattooing: Alters the white of the eye, not intended for cosmetic eye color change
Clinical Reference

Cosmetic Change of the Apparent Color of the Eye: A Review on Surgical Alternatives, Outcomes and Complications
Francesco D’Oria, Sabat K. Abu-Mustafa, Jorge L. Alió et al.
Ophthalmology and Therapy, 2022, Vol. 11(3)
DOI: 10.1007/s40123-022-00458-2
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Potential risks are similar to those associated with other corneal surgeries and may include:

  • Temporary blurry vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Foreign-body sensation
  • Dryness or irritation during healing
  • Interaction with previous corneal surgeries in certain cases

Absolute contraindications include:

  • Radial keratotomy
  • Full-thickness corneal transplants

Relative contraindications may include:

  • Certain refractive surgeries (depending on corneal structure)
  • Some forms of glaucoma, including advanced glaucoma
  • Corneal dystrophies or scarring
  • Prior penetrating ocular trauma
  • Advanced neuro-retinal pathology
  • High refractive error
  • Extremely dry eyes
  • Keloid scarring tendency
  • Significant eyelid deformity
  • Amblyopia
  • Strabismus

Every case is reviewed individually during the pre-procedure eye exam. If we are not fully confident that the procedure is safe and appropriate for your eyes, we will not recommend moving forward.

Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery varies but follows a generally predictable pattern:

  • Immediately after the procedure: Blurry vision and a scratchy or foreign-body sensation are common.
  • First 24 hours: Discomfort and light sensitivity typically improve; prescribed drops help control inflammation and comfort.
  • First 2–3 days: Most individuals resume normal activities unless advised otherwise.
  • First few weeks: Anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops continue as directed. Follow-up visits assess corneal healing and color outcome.

When indicated, up to two postoperative refinements may be performed to adjust color intensity or limbal ring design.

Where Is the Procedure Performed?

KERATO® currently performs keratopigmentation in two locations:

New York City (Midtown Manhattan)

160 East 56th Street, Ste 301
New York, NY 10022

Learn more about Kerato NYC

Miami (Near Miami International Airport)

860 NW 42nd Ave, Suite 206
Miami, FL 33126

Learn more about Miami Office

Patients travel from across the United States and internationally to undergo their Pre-Procedure Eye Exam and procedure at these offices.

If you’ve had previous refractive surgery (such as LASIK or SMILE), please call (866) 426-5671 before booking your exam (you will be asked to provide the records of your previously performed reflective surgery).

Your Next Step

If you’re considering permanent eye color change, the first step is ensuring the procedure is safe and appropriate for your eyes.

Explore the FAQ

Get answers about safety, pricing, risks, and alternatives.

Book Your Pre-Procedure Eye Exam

Meet Dr. Movshovich, complete diagnostics, and see simulations of KERATO® colors.

Choose Your Location

KERATO® accepts patients in New York and Miami.

Limited Procedure Credit Available

The St. Patrick’s Day "Lucky Green" Special 🍀

Tuesday, March 17th ONLY

We are offering an exclusive promotion for patients who choose any of our stunning green shades: Olive green  🍀 Jade  🍀 Aqua Green

Discount: $2,000 OFF your procedure * Offer Valid: only Tuesday, March 17th at KERATO NYC Office

Appointments are limited due to individualized surgical evaluations.