Elizabeth Taylor was famous for her violet-coloured eyes, which were perfectly framed by thick, luscious eyelashes. But not many people know that what appeared to be the work of several generous coats of mascara was actually a genetic mutation that caused the Hollywood legend to be born with a double row of eyelashes.
Elizabeth’s parents were said to be horrified when a doctor told them their baby had a “mutation”, but quickly reconsidered their dismay when the physician explained how it would affect the little girl.
In pictures: Elizabeth Taylor’s amazing life
“Well, now that doesn’t sound so terrible at all,” Elizabeth’s mother, Sara Sothern, said to herself when she was told about her daughter’s disorder, journalist J Randy Taraborrelli wrote in his biography of the film star, Elizabeth.
Current medical research suggests Elizabeth’s extra eyelashes were caused by a mutation at the FOXC2 gene. The mutation causes what is medically known as distichiasis, a rare disorder that causes an “accessory row” of eyelashes.
While it seems like a sexy affliction, distichiasis can actually cause a series of problems, including eye irritation, watery eyes and an eventual reduction in vision.
Your say: Do you know anyone who has unusual eyelashes?
Video: Remembering Elizabeth Taylor
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