Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: HETEROCHROMIA.
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Condition – Heterochromia is an eye condition where one iris is a different colour from the other. Eye colour is determined by the concentration and distribution of the pigment melanin in the iris, and this condition comes about because of an excess or lack of this pigment within the iris or part of the iris. It may be inherited genetically or can be acquired. Acquired Heterochromia is usually due to injury, inflammation, the use of certain eyedrops, or tumors. The condition can also be partial, where part of one eye has a different colour, or where eyes have an inner colour ring that is different to the outer colour. It is quite common in cats and dogs, and has also been observed in horses and water buffalo (although we wouldn’t advise you get close enough for a good look).
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Contagion – It’s either genetic or acquired, so you won't catch it off someone else by just looking at them funny (even if they are the ones that are looking funny).
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| Danger of death – Not a fatal condition, and could even be seen as quite a funky talking point. |  |
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Incurability? – Not sure that you’d ever want to get rid of it – but if you really got annoyed with different coloured eyes, you could always wear a single contact lens to correct one of them.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – Unless you have the acquired form (in which case you may be sent home to recover from the bang on the head) you won't get any extra time off for this condition.
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| Brag-ability – High! You could find yourself the centre of attention with two stunningly different coloured eyes that could lead to a TV, modelling or celebrity-esque career. Famous Heterochromians include Alexander the Great, comedian Dan Aykroyd, acting greats Christopher Walken and Jane Seymour. David Bowie is often said to have the same condition, although it is believed his eyes are both blue, but that the left eye is permanently dilated due to a childhood injury. |
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Overall ridiculousness – Not a very serious condition and, if you look super cool, could even be one that would give you more friends. Hurrah for that! |
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More conditions to come soon:
Pigeon Fancier’s Lung, Duane Syndrome and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: Jorge Barrios/Wiki
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