Several diseases and conditions can affect the iris. Here's a breakdown of some of the most notable:
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Aniridia: This is a rare genetic condition characterized by the complete or partial absence of the iris.
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Uveitis: This is a general term for inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris. Iritis is uveitis specifically involving the iris.
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Horner's Syndrome: This syndrome can affect the appearance of the iris, leading to miosis (pupil constriction), among other symptoms.
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Albinism: This genetic condition results in a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. In the iris, this can cause it to appear very pale or translucent.
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Waardenburg Syndrome: This genetic disorder can cause pigmentary abnormalities, including heterochromia (different colored irises) or a very pale iris.
While glaucoma and cataracts are primarily associated with other parts of the eye (optic nerve and lens, respectively), they can indirectly affect the appearance or function of the iris in some cases.
Therefore, the diseases most directly affecting the iris are aniridia, uveitis (specifically iritis), and conditions that significantly alter iris pigmentation, such as albinism and Waardenburg syndrome. Horner's syndrome affects the pupil, which is a part of the iris.
