![]() This SNP is located near the SEMA3A gene, which codes for a protein that acts in both the iris and brain and directs cell movement. ![]() The authors found one SNP that associated with the presence of crypts, oval-shaped areas that represent openings in the iris. Scientists from Australia scanned the genomes of nearly 2,700 individuals, all of European descent, and measured iris characteristics such as crypts, pigmented rings, furrow contractions, and pigmented spots on the iris. In addition, some iris characteristics correlate with neurological diseases like Down syndrome.Ī recently published genome-wide association study (GWAS) sought to elucidate the genetic factors involved in normal iris variation between people. This is true on a genetic level, for instance, a mutation linked to iris loss is also associated with defects in a portion of the brain called the frontal lobe. Investigators are studying this topic to learn more about iris-related diseases and to provide clues about the brain, since iris and brain development appear to be connected. Because of this, iris recognition is used in some countries for national identification systems and to automate border crossings.Īlthough we know that no two irises are the same, very little is understood about the genetics underlying these differences. Like your fingerprint, the patterns on your iris are complex and unique. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.Your iris (the colored part of the eye) can tell a lot about you. The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Image cropped and modified from original. Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. We love the unique eyes of all of our members’ patients!įind a Vision Source® practice near you using our search tool. If you notice a change in the color of one or both of your eyes (particularly if you weren’t born with two different eye colors), it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment so your optometrist can discover the cause, in case it’s due to damage from an injury or the symptom of a health condition. They refer to this as having “Ghost Eyes.” Halfway around the world, Eastern European pagans believe being born with heterochromia means the person has witch eyes! Come See Your Local Vision Source® Member Optometrist! Some Native American cultures believe having heterochromia means the person can see into heaven and earth at the same time through different colored eyes. In our culture, heterochromia is merely an intriguing anomaly, but that hasn’t been the case for everyone. For instance, someone with blue eyes might have a thin ring of hazel or brown around their pupils. It happens when the irises match each other but have a ring of a different color around the pupils. Segmental heterochromia, also called heterochromia iridis, occurs when a patch of a different color appears in one iris.Ĭentral heterochromia is more common than the other types, but not nearly as visually striking. The three categories are complete, segmental, and central heterochromia.Ĭomplete heterochromia, also called heterochromia iridum, occurs when the two irises are different colors. Just as heterochromia can be the result of a variety of causes, it can also produce a wide range of results. The most famous example of it is David Bowie, whose left iris remained permanently dilated after an injury, giving him the appearance of having different colored eyes. Acquired heterochromia might look as interesting as congenital heterochromia, but it often indicates the eye is damaged or unhealthy. People who weren’t born with heterochromia might still develop it, as it can also be caused by trauma (due to injury or surgery) or disease (such as diabetes, eye tumors, or glaucoma). A few famous examples of congenital heterochromia are Mila Kunis, Jane Seymour, Simon Pegg, and Anthony Stewart Head. Most of the time, heterochromia is simply congenital (meaning the result of genetics) and caused by a benign mutation affecting the way melanin (pigment) develops in the irises. But how does such a strange-looking thing happen? What Causes Heterochromia Even if you haven’t seen someone with different colored eyes, you’ve likely seen an odd-eyed dog or a cat. It can happen in different ways and for different reasons. This fascinating trait is called heterochromia, and only six people in a thousand have it. Heterochromia: Causes And Types Have you ever seen someone with eyes that are two different colors?
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