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Archive for November 2011

Experimental 20-Second Procedure Turns Brown Eyes Blue

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posted by Satria Ilham firdaus on , ,

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ACaliforniascientist who has spent the last ten years working on an experimental laser procedure to turn brown eyes blue is now testing the procedure on humans. Dr. Gregg Homer uses a specially tuned laser to destroy the natural brown pigment melanin in the iris, the colored part of the eye. The whole procedure is only a 20-second treatment. Gradually over the next two to three weeks, the brown pigment continues to disappear, revealing the underlying blue iris. The change in eye color is permanent. Both Homer and Stroma Medical, the company that developed the procedure, say vision is not affected by the destruction of the melanin. Up until now, there has not been a way for people with brown eyes to reveal the blue behind the brown. However, some people with blue eyes have had their eyes turn brown. A change in eye color is a known side effect of glaucoma drops such as prescription Xalatan (generic latanoprost) for people with light colored eyes. Many blue-eyed patients using latanoprost eye drops end up with brown eyes, along with longer, thicker lashes. It has been possible to temporarily change brown eyes a lighter color using colored contact lenses, but the color does not appear natural, many find wearing lenses inconvenient and uncomfortable, and – most importantly - the lenses have a negative effect on the wearer's vision. UniversityofIllinoisassociate professor of clinical ophthalmology Dr. Elmer Tu has some concerns about possible complications of the procedure, noting that the destroyed brown pigment "has to go somewhere". Tu is concerned the lasered pigment may cause or contribute to a condition called pigmentary glaucoma, a rare hereditary type of open angle glaucoma most commonly found in young men. In pigmentary glaucoma, a concave shaped iris causes the pigment layer of the eye to rub on the lens and wear off into surrounding areas.

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