As a medical writer who covers eye care, I was curious about ophthalmologist Gregg Homer. As it turns out, this man is NOT an ophthalmologist, rather "a former entertainment lawyer turned Stanford U. law professor [hence the appellation "Doctor"?]," an inventor who has worked on this process with a group of ophthalmologists. According to the Orange County Register, Homer "got his science degree at Stanford while teaching and holds several patents." He sounds like a versatile fellow, but he is not a physician.
See:
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/california-inventor-develops-20-second-laser-procedure-turns-eyes-blue-article-1.972150
&
http://jan.ocregister.com/tag/stroma-medical/
This is an interesting story, but let's get the facts right.
Discussion on:
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Not Theory-History
Posted by sboverie
9th Nov 2011
Just
In
In
okay....
Posted by liz622
5 days ago
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Get the facts right!
Posted by cespinosa
4th Nov 2011
+1
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A cure for Michael Jackson Syndrome?
Maybe the technology can be applied to the skin in the future. But both altering eye and skin color is medically unnecessary and otherwise a luxury for the self centered.
It's likely that those that want to permanently alter their eyes, are the same ones that still wear fur coats and have ivory hair combs, to say the least.
Incidentally, does anyone know how many test animals were blinded as the result of testing the laser?
It's likely that those that want to permanently alter their eyes, are the same ones that still wear fur coats and have ivory hair combs, to say the least.
Incidentally, does anyone know how many test animals were blinded as the result of testing the laser?
Posted by databaseben
5th Nov 2011
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Blue as superior.
Why the h@%^ would you want to change your eye color if it's a beautiful brown?! In my opinion, brown eyes are more beautiful than blue, leaving me to believe that this procedure was invented by someone with an agenda. I wouldn't believe that if it were possible to change it to any other color than blue, for instance from blue to dark brown or green, however this procedure allows only the one color.
This quote supports the idea that he believes that the eye color blue is superior, and that he probably has a psychological problem:
" 'The eyes are the window to the soul,' Homer tells KTLA. 'A blue eye is not opaque. You can see deeply into it and a brown eye is very opaque. I think there is something very meaningful about this idea of having open windows to the soul.'"
This quote supports the idea that he believes that the eye color blue is superior, and that he probably has a psychological problem:
" 'The eyes are the window to the soul,' Homer tells KTLA. 'A blue eye is not opaque. You can see deeply into it and a brown eye is very opaque. I think there is something very meaningful about this idea of having open windows to the soul.'"
Posted by Wolfe26
Updated - 8th Nov 2011
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Why???
"Why the h@%^ would you want to change your eye color if it's a beautiful brown?!"
The thing that popped into my head was someone who was trying to alter their appearance in order to change identities might want a permanent eye color change to throw anyone off. Colored contact lenses are easily detectable, this is not.
Models, actors, etc might want the change as well, anything to give them an edge to land better roles.
I can also see kids wanting half blue/half brown eyes to be different. I can also see different patterns, like a star burst, flower petals, a heart, spade, club, etc.
It's a body mod and people love body mods, even if they are painful or gross. There are a lot of sad pathetic people who are not happy being themselves. That is why plastic surgery, tattoos, and body mods are such a lucrative business.
The thing that popped into my head was someone who was trying to alter their appearance in order to change identities might want a permanent eye color change to throw anyone off. Colored contact lenses are easily detectable, this is not.
Models, actors, etc might want the change as well, anything to give them an edge to land better roles.
I can also see kids wanting half blue/half brown eyes to be different. I can also see different patterns, like a star burst, flower petals, a heart, spade, club, etc.
It's a body mod and people love body mods, even if they are painful or gross. There are a lot of sad pathetic people who are not happy being themselves. That is why plastic surgery, tattoos, and body mods are such a lucrative business.
Posted by i8thecat4
6th Feb
0
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okay....
So what you are saying is EVERYONE with tattoos, body mods, piercings, and plastic surgery are sad pathetic people who are not happy being themselves. I think for a small percent you may be right. Sometimes people take those things too far. However a lot of people look at these things as a way to define who they are, how they feel, and in a lot of cases it increases a person's happiness. What if your nose was just way too big for your face? What if you held some sentimental value towards a symbol or you absolutely loved the way gauges looked? Does that make you a pathetic person to want to these things? What if in your society it was a custom to have your ears or lips gauged or have a tattoo? Does that make their whole culture pathetic? What's wrong with getting rid of a scar from a car wreck or some other accident? You have a very close minded way of looking at things. If you don't like these things that's fine but a lot people do and a lot of them are pretty awesome.
Posted by liz622
5 days ago
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Mengele would be happy
"Dr" Mengele performed horrible experiments on concentration camp internees. He is famous for trying to change brown eyes into blue ones. The NAZIs were apparently afraid that a jew could hide among the aryan elite if he could change the color of his eyes. This and many other experiments were found to have no medical value.
I find the possibility of eye color change to be interesting and also problematic. The Dr Mengele reference should serve as a cautionary tale to make people think before rushing in to make this kind of change. If this procedure is safe and has few side effects then I would not have any problem with it being added to the rest of cosmetic surgeries.
I find the possibility of eye color change to be interesting and also problematic. The Dr Mengele reference should serve as a cautionary tale to make people think before rushing in to make this kind of change. If this procedure is safe and has few side effects then I would not have any problem with it being added to the rest of cosmetic surgeries.
Posted by sboverie
8th Nov 2011
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Strange deduction
I know a lot of "jews" that have got blue eyes, so apparently Mengele succeeded, according to your theory, sboverie@; but he wants the opposite, mmm.
I personally think the blue eyes indicate a genetic condition; that is, that you have 'blue eyes' genes. So people, please don't chage the colour of your eyes artificially so we can tell who you are really.
I personally think the blue eyes indicate a genetic condition; that is, that you have 'blue eyes' genes. So people, please don't chage the colour of your eyes artificially so we can tell who you are really.
Posted by Nippur05
Updated - 9th Nov 2011
+2
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Not Theory-History
Why did you put quotes around the word jews? Is this the update to "some of my friends are Jews" that usually means the opposite? Mengele did not succeed, one experiment involved injecting blue dye into the eyes of concentration camp internees. If you read the history of NAZI Germany and the genocidal plans to wipe out all Jews then you should have come across references about the stress on aryan purity and the classifications of "lesser" races.
Posted by sboverie
9th Nov 2011
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A bit naive, no?
...leaving many to wonder whether such procedures also serve to perpetuate one beauty standard over another Does anyone really "wonder" this is true?
Posted by YagiSonic
10th Nov 2011
+1
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more like hopeful
Well, I'd say one would hope that the person who opts to alter their looks is doing it simply because they have a desired preference regardless of what society thinks. But yes, the technology can be used to promote the belief that universally, blue eyes are better than brown.
Technology is simply a tool and is supposed to enable people to do things they weren't able to before. How it shapes a culture is also supposed to be entirely up to those who adopt it. Personally, I'm actually waiting for a procedure that allows me to embed sparkles in my eyes. This way when people tell me they see that sparkle in my eyes, I know they mean it.
Technology is simply a tool and is supposed to enable people to do things they weren't able to before. How it shapes a culture is also supposed to be entirely up to those who adopt it. Personally, I'm actually waiting for a procedure that allows me to embed sparkles in my eyes. This way when people tell me they see that sparkle in my eyes, I know they mean it.
Posted by tuancnguyen
Updated - 10th Nov 2011
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Brown is Just Fine!
I wonder what the implications are for removing the PROTECTIVE layer of melanin from the iris? Remember that melanin is deposited in the skin as a protective mechanism to REDUCE damage to the underlying nucleus and its' genetic machinery. People who do not tan as well as others (albinos, those of Celtic ancestry, etc) find themselves at elevated risk for skin neoplasms. The same risks could well apply to the newly Blue-eyed.
A brown eyed Jewish Doc
A brown eyed Jewish Doc
Posted by xrayangiodoc
7th Feb 2012
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A Response from Stroma
Hi,
I'm the founder of Stroma and the inventor of its laser eye color procedure. I just had to weigh in here. First, I think brown eyes are beautiful. Stroma's goal is simply to offer an option to those consumers who might want it. Second, the Dr. Mengele analogy is hurtful. My father, a Jew, was awarded the Bronze Star for his brave fight against the Nazi's in WWI, and I'm proud of his work and commitment. Finally, we appreciate (and share) the cautiousness of both physicians and the press regarding safety, but with that caution has come some misinformation about the risk of glaucoma associated with our procedure. To help clarify the issue, we've posted a paper at www.stromamedical.com/Public_Papers/Glaucoma.pdf. And rest assured, we will not release our product unless and until it has been extensively tested, and our internal board of physicians are satisfied that it is safe.
Best,
Gregg Homer, JSD (PhD)
I'm the founder of Stroma and the inventor of its laser eye color procedure. I just had to weigh in here. First, I think brown eyes are beautiful. Stroma's goal is simply to offer an option to those consumers who might want it. Second, the Dr. Mengele analogy is hurtful. My father, a Jew, was awarded the Bronze Star for his brave fight against the Nazi's in WWI, and I'm proud of his work and commitment. Finally, we appreciate (and share) the cautiousness of both physicians and the press regarding safety, but with that caution has come some misinformation about the risk of glaucoma associated with our procedure. To help clarify the issue, we've posted a paper at www.stromamedical.com/Public_Papers/Glaucoma.pdf. And rest assured, we will not release our product unless and until it has been extensively tested, and our internal board of physicians are satisfied that it is safe.
Best,
Gregg Homer, JSD (PhD)
Posted by Gregg Homer
8th Feb 2012
-1
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Green eyes???
Hello, I've often wondered how long before someone developed a way to alter eye color. It is great that we can have some choices in how we want to look. Of course safety is always the main issue. I'm hoping for the technology for green eyes. I've always wanted green eyes since I was a small girl. Any hopes for green eyes?
Posted by graytwinkle
18th May 2012
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green eyes
How about cosmetic contacts? There are some that are supposedly professional grade. Seen them, was fooled, know nothing else.
Posted by opcom
24th Jul
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BLUE EYES
It is refreshing to see that there are still those with innovative minds. I am intrigued with the idea that one contour their appearance to whatever they may imagine; changing one's body from thin to muscular, changing from brunette to blonde and in this case turning one's brown eyes to blue.
We all have entitlement to our own opinions on matter's such as this and I believe that we as a human race are meant to explore and evolve. So if someone wishes to make changes in their appearance that makes them feel better about themselves, then who has the right to pass judgement?
To the esteemed Gregg Homer, JSD (PhD):
I understand that the procedure inside the US may take up to three years.
When will the out of states procedure for laser melanin reduction become available for consumers?
We all have entitlement to our own opinions on matter's such as this and I believe that we as a human race are meant to explore and evolve. So if someone wishes to make changes in their appearance that makes them feel better about themselves, then who has the right to pass judgement?
To the esteemed Gregg Homer, JSD (PhD):
I understand that the procedure inside the US may take up to three years.
When will the out of states procedure for laser melanin reduction become available for consumers?
Posted by Lmorenito
24th Jul
0
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TESTED ON ANIMALS I BET! I AM AGAINST ANIMAL TESTING
'And rest assured, we will not release our product unless and until it has been extensively tested, and our internal board of physicians are satisfied that it is safe.'
EXTENSIVELY TESTED? NOT ON ANIMALS I HOPE. WHERE ARE THE ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ON THIS? if it's for 'humans', test it on dead human corpses
I AM NOT INTERESTED ANYWAY even if it can make sparkles, or whatever else 
I LOVE MY GREEN-BROWN COLOUR 
EXTENSIVELY TESTED? NOT ON ANIMALS I HOPE. WHERE ARE THE ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ON THIS? if it's for 'humans', test it on dead human corpses
I AM NOT INTERESTED ANYWAY even if it can make sparkles, or whatever else I LOVE MY GREEN-BROWN COLOUR 
Posted by Anda Z
15th Feb
0
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What about people who need corrective lenses?
I am so glad Dr. Homer's invention is under strict trials. I am excited for the outcome and look forward to getting this procedure done. It is my choice, I have no "syndrome" I just like light colored eyes, the same way I like to color my hair black and favor certain colors, perfume scents, etc. It is a matter of choice. People "like what they like" I am 35 years old and have been wearing colored prescription contacts for vision correction since I was 13. I have gone through eye infections, dry eyes, etc just for the convenience of wearing contacts. My two concerns are; if I get this procedure done can i still wear contacts for vision correction or can I have lasik surgery at a later time, will the shape of my eye become altered? Would I have to wear glasses after the procedure while waiting for the melanin to dispel from the eye? Please advise. Also, I wanted to know if clinical trials are being done currently, and if so, how can I get more information. Thank you.
Posted by EJ2011
5th Mar 2012
+1
Vote
Blue eyes are not attractive
Blue eyes are not special and they are common! beety ugly flat blue dull eyes dont compare next to wide gazelle gorgeous feminine sexy eyes like kim kardashian,katy perry,arabian beauties,sarah lime,etc
how dare anyone here say they are "universally wanted" NOPE! if you want them soo bad get contact lenses! people prefer brown eyes! there have been poems/songs written about brown eyed beauties.
how dare anyone here say they are "universally wanted" NOPE! if you want them soo bad get contact lenses! people prefer brown eyes! there have been poems/songs written about brown eyed beauties.
Posted by JessicaMUA
Updated - 18th Apr 2012
-1
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That's funny...
That was the same list of people I was thinking might be first in line for the procedure... LOL!!!
My wife has natural blue eyes. There is nothing dull nor flat about them, they sparkle and shine and glow, they are vibrant and full of life and love and joy. Not sure why you are threatened and butt-hurt by this technology...But my advice is not to worry about it and don't get the procedure for yourself... Who knows, if enough people get the procedure, then brown eyes might become rare and desirable.
My wife has natural blue eyes. There is nothing dull nor flat about them, they sparkle and shine and glow, they are vibrant and full of life and love and joy. Not sure why you are threatened and butt-hurt by this technology...But my advice is not to worry about it and don't get the procedure for yourself... Who knows, if enough people get the procedure, then brown eyes might become rare and desirable.
Posted by i8thecat4
6th Feb
0
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''they are "universally wanted" NOPE!'' WAS THE POINT
blue eyes are NOT universally wanted and if eyes are the windows to the soul, as they say, I think the soul behind them makes them 'sparkle and shine and glow..vibrant and full of life and love and joy'... AND NOT THE COLOUR AT ALL
and if eyes are the windows to the soul, as they say, I think the soul behind them makes them 'sparkle and shine and glow..vibrant and full of life and love and joy'... AND NOT THE COLOUR AT ALL Posted by Anda Z
15th Feb
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BROWN EYES: ALREADY DESIRABLE
surely not considered like that by you, but by enough others another thing: brown is a warm colour whereas blue is always cold, but then again, I guess the soul behind them can make them give that feeling of warmth or not, isn't it?
another thing: brown is a warm colour whereas blue is always cold, but then again, I guess the soul behind them can make them give that feeling of warmth or not, isn't it? Posted by Anda Z
15th Feb
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Laser removal of melatonin..
I wonder if it can be used to remove 'age spots' ?
That I COULD use..
That I COULD use..
Posted by james_lucier
15th Feb
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I beleive they already are used for that purpose.
And the concern of depigmentation of people's eyes causing vulnerability to damage that the pigment protects against is valid.
Posted by Dr_Zinj
12th Mar
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The gauntlet
Of course the blue eyes, as of my lady, are the most beautiful under the skies. Here is my gauntlet. Place and weapons of your choice.
Posted by praoss
8th Apr