Introduction
People come across fake news all the time. Nowadays, the internet has become a hub for all this. One such fake news on the internet from 2005 is the presence of "perfect human beings" called Alexandria's genesis. It all started from the story of a girl named ''Alexandria'' born with purple eyes in Europe around the 13th century, and the two children she gave birth to went on to live for more than 100 years.
These perfect human beings are believed to possess perfectly proportioned bodies that do not gain weight, purple-colored eyes due to some genetic mutation present right from birth or acquired after birth, pale skin, absence of body hair, highly fertile even without monthly menstruation, best immunity, and very little body waste. This is a complete myth as it cannot be a fact. But there are few medical conditions recorded that are capable of affecting the color of the eyes. This article will explain the medical conditions causing a change in eye color.
What Are the Conditions That Affect Eye Color?
People suffering from certain medical conditions can have different colored eyes.
The medical conditions are:
-
Pigmentary glaucoma.
-
Albinism.
-
Heterochromia iridis.
-
Fuch’s heterochromic uveitis.
-
Age-related changes.
-
Tumor of the iris.
-
Medicines.
What Is Pigmentary Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by damage to the optic nerve due to high intraocular pressure, which is essential for clear vision. The pressure of the eye increases when the aqueous humor (fluid) of the eye does not drain properly. Glaucoma can result in vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is the common cause of blindness in the older population. In the case of pigmentary glaucoma, the pigment of the iris part of the eye sheds as tiny granules. It obstructs the fluid drainage of the eyes, resulting in increased intraocular pressure. The shedding of the pigment will cause changes in the color of the iris and not the complete eyes. Treatment for pigmentary glaucoma includes eye drops, pupil constrictors, and laser surgery.
What Is Albinism?
Melanin produced by melanocytes is the pigment responsible for skin color, hair, and eyes. If melanin production is obstructed, it results in a condition called albinism. Albinism affecting the eyes is called ocular albinism. In the case of ocular albinism, the eyes appear red or violet. It can also cause several eye problems like lazy eye, also known as strabismus, nystagmus, sensitivity to light, and decreased visual acuity (because pigment plays a major role in producing accurate vision)
What Is Heterochromia Iridis?
Heterochromia iridis is a condition characterized by different-colored eyes and is rarely seen among humans. The iris of the eye may also present with different colors. Most heterochromia iridis cases are not caused by any medical conditions and are passed on from a parent or caused by certain factors during eye formation. But in rare cases, an underlying condition can cause heterochromia iridis. A few underlying medical conditions are piebaldism, Hirschsprung disease, Bournville disease, Horner's syndrome, and Von Recklinghausen disease. They are of three types, namely, segmental, central, and complete.
Fuch’s heterochromic uveitis
The cause of this disease is not known clearly. But a few believe it is caused due to an inflammation of the eyes, especially the iris - the colored part of the eye. Due to the inflammation, the iris tends to lose color and become light, occurring as a different color altogether. Fuch’s heterochromic uveitis also presents with decreased vision and floaters in the path of vision. If left untreated, it can cause complications like glaucoma, cataracts, and iris atrophy. This condition generally does not need any medical treatment, but if cataracts are formed, appropriate treatment is necessary.
What Is Horner's Syndrome?
This syndrome affects one part of the face along with the eyes. It is caused due to the obstruction of a nerve from the brain supplying the head and neck. Horner’s syndrome is characterized by drooping eyelids, the smaller size of the pupil, sunken eyes, and decreased sweating on the affected side of the face. The decrease in the pupil size of one eye compared to the normal one, will give a look of a different eye color. It tends to affect both children and adults. The disruption of nerves can occur due to a stroke or spinal cord injury.
Age-Related Changes -
A newborn child commonly possesses brown-colored eyes. The colored part of the eyes is called the iris. Few children of the caucasian race are born with blue and gray eyes. As a child grows, depending on the exposure to sunlight, The melanin from melanocytes will be produced more and thus, the color of the eye intensifies. For example, brown eyes will intensify and the gray or blue eyes become green or hazel.
Tumor of the Iris -
The tumor can grow on the iris or at the back of the iris. It is rarely a cancerous growth, and mostly it will be a cyst or nevi. It does not show any signs and symptoms and is only noticed when the color of the eyes changes. It is always better to consult a doctor to rule out a tumor. Signs like increasing pupil size, or the growth interfering with the pupil, are to be considered for consulting a doctor. In the case of a tumor, management will involve radiation and surgery.
Medications -
Yes, certain eye medications can change eye color. Usually, as a treatment protocol, prostaglandins-based eye drops will be prescribed for glaucoma patients. Both naturally occurring prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogs like Latanoprost and Bimatoprost are capable of changing eye color.
Conclusion
This explains purple-colored eyes, Alexandria's genesis, and perfect human beings are just a myth and it is just another internet rumor. But the eye color changes due to any of the above-mentioned conditions has to be treated at the earliest except for a few benign ones.
