Eye Pupil Surgery, Safety Verification for Aesthetic Purposes Not Established

Recently, surgery aimed at enlarging the pupils has gained attention on social media, raising concerns among experts.

According to a report by JTBC on the 23rd, this "pupil surgery" is advertised as making the pupils "clear and distinct, similar to wearing cosmetic lenses," emphasizing that "if there are side effects or if you are not satisfied, it can be easily removed."

However, experts warn that this surgery, performed solely for aesthetic purposes, has not undergone safety verification and may lead to vision loss if something goes wrong.

Ji-hyun Woo from Sangam-dong, Seoul, told JTBC, "I saw posts saying 'It’s trending on SNS, some people are doing it.' I’m not sure if it looks pretty, but I thought the surgery seemed dangerous."

Concerns from Experts and Overseas Cases

Ophthalmologists are pointing out the risks associated with this procedure, which involves inserting foreign materials around the eyes.

Ophthalmologist Choi Sung-ho explained, "Over time, the conjunctiva may thin, increasing the likelihood of the material being exposed. This can lead to infections, recurring redness, or severe dry eye."

In fact, there have been reported cases of influencers who experienced severe dry eyes and underwent removal surgery.

The Korean Ophthalmological Society stated to JTBC that this surgery "has not yet been verified for safety." Warnings regarding cosmetic insertion surgeries have already been issued overseas.

The U.S. FDA advises professionals that "only procedures with a legitimate medical need are permitted," and the American Academy of Ophthalmology has stated that "the insertion of artificial irises for aesthetic purposes is not recommended."

Safety Issues and Precautions

An unnamed ophthalmologist emphasized, "During the surgical process, the conjunctiva or the tissue around the iris may be damaged, potentially making future necessary surgeries for vision preservation impossible." Such online advertisements may also fall under the category of exaggerated advertising according to medical laws.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety urged caution, stating, "It is necessary to verify whether the inserted artificial ring is an actual product approved by the Ministry."

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Image source: jtbc, reference images for the understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank