Keratopigmentation Organization, Lab, Outcomes & Research Kolor Congress 2025

The KOLOR Congress 2025 marked the second edition of the world’s only event dedicated exclusively to keratopigmentation. Held in Dubai, the congress moved from the “introduction” phase of the 2024 inauguration to a more advanced exploration of techniques and standards.
The 2025 edition focused on “Consolidation and Credibility,” aiming to firmly establish keratopigmentation as a legitimate sub-specialty of refractive and corneal surgery. It emphasized evidence-based outcomes, the refinement of the FLAAK (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Annular Keratopigmentation) technique, and the global expansion of the Keratopigmentation International Society (KIS).
What Was Covered (Learning Outcomes)
Participants delved into advanced clinical nuances that were not covered in the first year:

Advanced FLAAK Protocols: Detailed adjustments in laser energy and tunnel geometry to minimize corneal stress and maximize pigment stability.

Reversibility Studies: Critical sessions dedicated to the “Holy Grail” of the field—techniques for removing or changing pigment if a patient regrets the color.

Complication Management: Honest discussions on managing “glare,” pigment diffusion, and color fading over time.

New Pigment Generation: Introduction of next-gen pigments designed to mimic the natural texture of the iris more closely than previous flat colors.

Event Details

Event: 2nd World Congress on Eye Color Change (KOLOR 2025)

Dates: May 30–31, 2025

Location: JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dubai, UAE

President: Charly Ruchon | Scientific Chair: Prof. Jorge Alió

Who Attended
The demographic expanded beyond early adopters to include:

Refractive Surgeons: Looking to differentiate their clinics in a competitive market.

Oculoplastic Surgeons: Interested in the cosmetic synergy between lid surgery and eye color change.

Industry Partners: Laser manufacturers and pigment labs (e.g., Biotic Phocea, Neoris) showcasing new specific software for corneal tunneling.

Why It Was Significant

Strategic Location: Hosting in Dubai positioned the procedure at the center of the world’s medical tourism hub for aesthetics.

Standardization: The congress released the first “Consensus on Safety Margins” for corneal tunnels, defining how deep and wide surgeons should cut to ensure long-term corneal health.

Debunking Myths: The event provided head-to-head data comparing Keratopigmentation favorably against the high risks of Iris Implants (BrightOcular) and Laser Depigmentation (Stroma).

 
+ Topics:
Evolution & Fundamentals of Keratopigmentation

History & Trends: A decade of evolution in eye color change, from early approaches to the rise of modern Keratopigmentation.

Preoperative Planning: The importance of simulation and redefining ocular aesthetics.

Pigment Science: In-depth analysis of pigment biocompatibility, safety standards for medical devices, and MRI stability studies.

Ethical Considerations: Understanding the technical, ethical, and psychological limits of aesthetic eye surgery.

Surgical Techniques: FLAAK & Beyond

FLAAK Mastery: Step-by-step guide to Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Annular Keratopigmentation, from the first patient to future advances (FLAAK Pro).

Laser Technology: Review of femtosecond laser platforms optimized for corneal pigmentation.

Manual Techniques: Superficial keratopigmentation and modified micropuncture techniques for anterior corneal stroma.

Anatomical Impact: Understanding functional changes in the cornea post-surgery.

Complex Cases & Combined Surgeries

Refractive Surgery Integration:

Performing FLAAK after LASIK.

LASIK surgery after FLAAK.

Comparison: Refractive Surgery vs. Keratopigmentation.

Intraocular Surgery:

Cataract Surgery combined with FLAAK or performed post-pigmentation.

ICL Implantation (Implantable Collamer Lens) after keratopigmentation.

Vitreoretinal surgery considerations for pigmented eyes.

Keratoconus Management: Performing aesthetic surgery after Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL).

Complications, Reversibility & Revisions

Risk Management: Detailed literature review of risks including epithelial ingrowth, pupillary decentration, and compromised corneal sensitivity.

Fading & Color Stability: Addressing the main concern of pigment fading over 5 years and how to manage color evolution.

Reversibility: Is FLAAK reversible? Techniques for “going back” and reducing color intensity in unhappy patients.

Revision Surgery: Tips and tricks for reoperations, repairing local color loss, and fixing “nightmare” cases.

Therapeutic & Reconstructive Indications

Iris Reconstruction: Using KTP and artificial iris implants for traumatic injury and therapeutic purposes.

Pediatric Cases: Long-term pioneering studies on children and adolescents.

Functional Benefits: Treating annoying glare and photophobia in special clinical situations.