$Unique_ID{BRK00950}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Do Two Differently Colored Eyes Indicate Some Hidden Condition?}
$Subject{eye color genes Sense senses inherited hereditary inheritance genetic
eyes}
$Volume{V-21}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Do Two Differently Colored Eyes Indicate Some Hidden Condition?


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QUESTION:  I just met a new girl with the strangest eyes.  One eye is colored
green, the other is more like red (or brown), and she uses them like a traffic
light, red means "stop", green for "go"!  I am worried that they indicate some
hidden condition that might be important if we ever become serious.  Can you
tell me if I have anything to worry about?

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ANSWER:  Eye color is inherited, with the two basic colors being blue and
brown.  The brown color is carried by genes, which are dominant, that means
they will produce their effect when present.  The genes for blue eyes are
recessive, and may be hidden.  However, there are many variations, which
produce all the many shades that can be seen, hazel, grey and dark brown,
almost black eyes.  Its because of this complex inheritance pattern that brown
eyed parents can have children with blue eyes, and that some interesting
combinations may be observed.  People with two differently colored eyes, while
unusual and a bit rare, are not unknown, and the presence of this coloration
does not indicate some hidden genetic abnormality.  It seems that all you have
to worry about is to learn to interpret her signals and hopefully keep her
green eye open.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.