People of all ages recognized and admired the late David Bowie, whether it was due to a childhood appreciation for Labyrinth or a lifelong love for Bowie’s music. Many remember his eccentric outfits and makeup in his early career, and his unique personality and style have left a mark in history.
But one of Bowie’s most unique traits was, and still is, the difference between his eyes. At first glance, it appeared his eyes were two different colors, but upon closer inspection, his pupils were actually two different sizes.
This condition is actually called anisocoria, and it’s not as uncommon as you might think. But what exactly is anisocoria? And what causes it? Below, we’ll discuss what anisocoria is and how it develops, as well as how David Bowie came to contract this condition.
What is Anisocoria?
Anisocoria is a condition where the pupils are two different sizes. The word “anisocoria” literally translates into “not equal pupil condition.” However, while Bowie had a permanent case of anisocoria, the condition isn’t always lasting. And the difference in pupil size isn’t always as noticeable as Bowie’s; the difference between the two can be as little as 0.4 millimeters.
Surprisingly, anisocoria affects about 20% of the healthy population, and most of the time, the difference in pupil size is between 0.4 and 0.5 millimeters, but it can be up to a maximum of one millimeter. And Unequal pupil sizes can be caused by a variety of conditions.
What Causes Anisocoria?
Unequally sized pupils can actually be genetic. Children may be born with a difference in pupil size, which they may share with a parent or other direct relatives. If it’s a genetic condition, it’s not usually an issue.
Sometimes, aerosol medications or eye drops can cause anisocoria in a healthy individual. Again, this isn’t much of a concern, as long as the pupils return to normal after a reasonable amount of time.
However, anisocoria can be a result of serious trauma or conditions, such as:
- A brain abscess or tumor
- Intracranial hemorrhaging
- Brain swelling
- An aneurysm
- A stroke
- Inflamed membranes surrounding the brain
Anisocoria can also be caused by migraines or glaucoma. Should you experience a seizure, the pupils may temporarily differ in size afterwards.
When Does Anisocoria Warrant Medical Help?
Because anisocoria can be caused by both serious and minor conditions, it can be difficult to determine when it’s time to see a doctor for anisocoria. If you notice a difference in pupil size, get help, especially if the change is sudden, unexplained, or persistent. If you experience anisocoria after hitting your head or injuring your eye, you should see a doctor right away.
Should you develop anisocoria, you may sometimes experience:
- Headaches
- A sensitivity to light
- Nausea
- Pain in your eye
- Double or blurred vision
- Fever
- Vision loss
If a difference in pupil size is accompanied by any of the above symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Your anisocoria may be a result of a more serious issue.
How Did David Bowie Develop Anisocoria?
David Bowie had different pupil sizes for his entire career, and with so many conditions that result in anisocoria, you may wonder what exactly caused Bowie’s unique eye appearance. Was it a genetic development? Was it caused by a serious condition?
Actually, David Bowie’s anisocoria was caused by a simple fight over a girl. As a youth, Bowie had a good friend named George Underwood. The two of them had been friends since they were nine and remained close over the years. But when they were 15, they both became interested in the same girl, and the two had a bit of a disagreement.
Underwood ended up punching Bowie directly in the left eye. When Bowie retold the story, he said it wasn’t a necessarily hard punch, but it was suspected that Underwood’s fingernail had scratched Bowie’s eye and essentially paralyzed the iris.
He was immediately taken to the hospital and eventually had two different eye surgeries. But for the rest of his life, the pupil remained dilated to give him his signature look.
However, despite everything, Bowie and Underwood remained friends for the rest of David Bowie’s life. While the two played music together as teens, Underwood eventually moved on to commercial art. In later years, he helped design the album sleeves for a few of Bowie’s albums, including The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
Later on, Bowie actually thanked Underwood for his eye condition, saying it gave him “a kind of mystique.”
David Bowie’s eye condition ended up giving him a unique appearance throughout his career. But if you experience any unusual eye conditions or vision problems, be sure to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. An eye doctor can take a look at your eyes and determine the best course of action. If your prescription is outdated, he or she can also check your vision and renew your prescription.