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Heterochromia


Heterochromia is a condition where an individual has two different-colored eyes, or different colors in different parts of the same eye. This rare phenomenon occurs when there is a difference in the distribution of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the iris. Heterochromia can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to injury, inflammation, or other eye diseases. The two main types of heterochromia are complete heterochromia, where each eye is a completely different color, and sectoral heterochromia, where a portion of one iris is a different color from the rest.

  • Causes: Congenital heterochromia is typically caused by genetic factors and may occur as part of syndromes like Waardenburg syndrome or Horner’s syndrome. Acquired heterochromia can result from eye trauma, surgery, inflammation (iritis), or the use of certain medications such as eye drops for glaucoma. In rare cases, heterochromia can be associated with systemic diseases, including neurofibromatosis or Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis.
  • Symptoms: The most noticeable symptom is the difference in iris color. People with congenital heterochromia typically do not experience any vision problems, whereas acquired heterochromia may be accompanied by symptoms related to the underlying cause, such as eye pain, redness, or vision changes.
  • Treatment: In most cases, heterochromia does not require treatment if it does not affect vision. For acquired heterochromia due to injury or inflammation, treating the underlying cause, such as reducing inflammation with medication or surgery for trauma, may resolve the color change. Colored contact lenses can also be used for cosmetic purposes to make the eye colors appear more uniform if desired.

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