Tiger Eye, a malaise of the older desert dwellers

Tiger Eye is streaking or browning of the white of the eyes caused by many years of exposure to ultraviolet light, wind, and dust. All races and skin types are affected and about one in a hundred of humanoids in Zami Ramal over the age of 60 have some kind of darkening or striping in the white of the eye. To some tribes, this marking is a sign of being touched by the gods and so these people are honoured and cared for and sought out for their wisdom. Elves and half-elves are not affected until they reach a greater age, due to the slowness of their metabolism.
Some rather harsh cures have been attempted, such as flushing the eyes with salt water, vinegar and many other solutions but once the marks begin, they spread little by little over the later years of life. Experiments have been carried out to test for any benefits from Tiger Eye, such as far-seeing, dark vision or magical sight but no benefit has yet been discovered.
It is known that the sun provides both heat and light and that even through darkened glass, often used in the form of goggles to protect the eyes and jars for light-sensitive ingredients, the heat penetrates and various effects are noticed. Scholars and alchemists deduced that some component of the suns rays can make changes to sensitive things. Perhaps, they speculate, the effect of that "dark" light is the cause of Tiger Eye, along with the wind and dust of the desert.

Transmission & Vectors

Tiger Eye is not infectious, rather it is a geriatric malaise caused by decades of exposure to harsh sun, wind and dust.

Causes

It is thought that the invisible rays of the sun that bring just heat and not light can cause toughening of the skin, bleaching of the hair and in the elderly, streaking in the eyes.

Symptoms

Brown and golden streaks and lines appear in the whites of the eyes, radiating from the iris towards the sclera, usually alongside the tiny veins in the eye. There is no pain or loss of vision from this effect.

Treatment

There is no treatment for Tiger Eye.

Prognosis

Since sight is not affected by the lines in the eye, there is no other outcome than the increase in coverage of the whites of the eyes with striping.

Sequela

In a few very rare cases, the iris and pupil are darkened and black spots obscure the vision but it's unknown if this is the same disease.

Affected Groups

Those affected tend to be over 60 years of age with white sclera and light brown or blue irises. Those of elven blood do not seem to be affected until a much greater age.

Prevention

Tiger Eye is hard to prevent in the conditions of Zami Ramal, but keeping the eyes shaded and guarded against the wind and dust may help to prevent the condition over time.

History

The condition only started to affect those who had come to Zami Ramal and loved there into old age. A well-known patient was Vizier Kha Ta'burk, the third Vizier of Akhang-Ahvar, 300 years past. In his old age, he tended to remain indoors as his darkening eyes tended to instil fear and distrust in those who saw him.

Cultural Reception

It is known that Tiger Eye affects many elderly inhabitants of Zami Ramal and it is treated merely as a sign that the person has lived a long time in the desert.

Type

Physiological

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare