PUPULA DUPLEX or EVIL EYE

The phrase “pupula duplex” can be traced back to Ovid, and other ancient writers who referred to it as the “Evil Eye.”Although the term “pupula duplex” is practically non-existent in modern medical literature, a condition known as polycoria could roughly resemble two irises in certain cases. According to the Handbook of Pediatric Neuro-Ophthalmology (2006), polycoria is described as “a condition in which there are many openings in the iris that result from local hypoplasia of the iris stroma and pigment epithelium. True polycoria actually is a

condition in which there is more than one pupil and the multiple pupils all have a sphincter and the ability to contract.”t has been pointed out that “most cases of polycoria, however, are actually pseudopolycoria as only one of the pupils is the true pupil with an iris sphincter muscle. Therefore, in almost all clinical situations, the correct term is pseudopolycoria.”There are also other eye disorders or eye injuries which can give the illusion of multiple pupils.Since no official medical literature exists on this condition there is limited information available related to its possible causes. It is most likely a result of a genetic defect or mutation. It is not thought to be something that can be transmitted genetically. It isn’t contagious nor is it thought to be harmful to the person’s general health.