Experimental 20-Second Procedure Turns Brown Eyes Blue

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.

If the microscopic pieces of melanin get trapped in and block the trabecular meshwork that helps the eye drain, eye pressure builds up, causing glaucoma. Glaucoma can not be cured, but it can be treated with glaucoma medications to help lower the eye pressure. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. Dr. Robert Cykiert, associate professor of ophthalmology atNYULangoneMedicalCenter, also fears the debris from the lasering could clog the trabecular meshwork, calling the new procedure "probably risky". Cykiert is also concerned that lasering large amounts of pigment could cause inflammation, and potentially damage the cornea. Dr. Ivan Schwab, professor of ophthalmology at theUniversityofCaliforniaat Davis School of Medicine, says the public should wait for the results of several long-term studies before considering undergoing the treatment. "I wouldn't go asking for trouble", he says. Dr. Homer maintains that he and his team use 15 ranges of sophisticated tests to ensure there is no damage to eye tissue during or after the procedure. He expects to continue testing and fine tuning the technology for the next year, and then to roll the procedure out overseas in about a year and a half. He predicts it will be about three years until the eye changing procedure is available in theUnited States. When it does become available in theUS, the procedure is expected to cost about $5000, so start saving your pennies now.