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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Someone Should Write A Song

Associated Press

A new type of drug to battle vision-stealing glaucoma works significantly better than standard therapy - but has the startling side effect of sometimes turning blue eyes brown.

Despite not understanding the cause or significance of the eye color change, the Food and Drug Administration should approve Latanoprost, a panel of scientific advisers decided Friday.

But the FDA panel insisted that manufacturer Pharmacia & Upjohn Inc. continue to study the drug’s long-term safety and clearly label that it can cause the eye color change so doctors and patients understand the risk.

Glaucoma blinds 80,000 Americans a year and steals some sight from 900,000 others. It is caused when fluid builds up inside the eyeball and causes dangerous pressure.