Asymmetric Polycoria

Asymmetric Polycoria is an omen.
[A good one or a bad one?]
It depends on who you ask.  Ḍæṣḍîⱱúy is said to have five pupils in one eye and seven in the other.

— Testho and the Doctor

Causes

Most cases of asymmetric polycoria are genetic, although they can also be caused by specific diseases (there have been reported cases in the literature that certain Congenital Lipase Disorders (and related protease disorders) have caused this in more advanced stages before the modern treatment regimen was devised, due to the myriad negative effects the disorders have on nutrition).

Symptoms

The most common presentation is one eye developing two pupils, very frequently forcing each other into a slit shape and resulting in functional blindness. Occasionally additional pupils may be present, although this is rare. (There have also been cases along the lines of "one eye presents with two pupils, and the second presents with three.")

Treatment

The iris defects can be fixed surgically in many cases, which allows the patient to regain some sight in the affected eye, although it isn't a perfect solution.

Prognosis

As with those who have Red-Green Vision, individuals with asymmetric polycoria have just as much ability as healthy Stenza to live a full and long life. The condition is rare enough that a related subculture is disputable.

Cultural Reception

Among the Greater Pass Stenza especially, asymmetric polycoria is seen as an omen (akin to the way Daylight Birth is viewed among the population at large), a connection between that individual and the Snow Warrior. This has been cited as a reason why some Greater Pass Stenza with the condition have chosen not to get their iris surgically repaired.

Type

Genetic

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired & Congenital

Rarity

Extremely Rare

Affected Species

• The Stenza