WEIRD SCIENCE

Rare eye colouring that signals danger

A COPPER-coloured ring in the eyes is a warning sign of a rare genetic condition.

Wilson’s disease affects one in 30,000 people and means the body is unable to remove excess copper, which is found in trace amounts in a wide range of foods.

While the metal is necessary in small quantities to make red blood cells, form collagen and keep the immune system healthy, Wilson’s disease causes it to build up to toxic levels in the liver, brain and eyes. Sufferers can develop a golden-brown copper ring around the edge of the iris, the coloured centre of the eye. While it does not damage the eyes, it can lead to liver problems, and even death, if left untreated.