Aniridia

/ænɪˈrɪdiə/ noun

Definition

A rare eye condition where a person is born with little to no iris (the colored part of the eye), causing vision problems and light sensitivity.

Etymology

From Greek 'an-' (without) + 'iris' (the eye's colored circle) + '-ia' (medical condition suffix). The term was formalized in medical literature in the late 19th century to describe this congenital absence.

Kelly Says

Aniridia teaches us that even tiny structures we don't think about—like the iris that controls light—are absolutely essential, and humans can adapt remarkably when they're missing!

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