Heterochromia

Heterochromia is a condition in which a person has two different colored eyes. This can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, or disease. Heterochromia is relatively rare, affecting less than 1% of the population.

Types of Heterochromia

There are three main types of heterochromia: complete, sectoral, and central.

• Complete Heterochromia - This is when one eye is a completely different color than the other. For example, one eye may be blue while the other is brown.

• Sectoral Heterochromia - This is when part of one eye is a different color than the rest of the eye. This can occur in one or both eyes.

• Central Heterochromia - This is when the inner ring of the iris is a different color than the outer ring.

Causes of Heterochromia

Heterochromia can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Genetics - Heterochromia can be inherited from parents. It is often present from birth.

• Injury - An injury to the eye can cause heterochromia. This is often the case with acquired heterochromia, which develops later in life.

• Disease - Certain diseases, such as Horner's syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome, can cause heterochromia.

Treatment for Heterochromia

In most cases, heterochromia does not require treatment. However, if it is caused by an underlying condition, that condition will need to be treated. In some cases, colored contact lenses can be used to make the eyes appear to be the same color.

See Also

• Eye color
• Genetics
• Horner's syndrome
• Waardenburg syndrome

Heterochromia Resources
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