The first pop in is called complete heterochromia; the second is called sectoral heterochromia.
Heterochromia is most often the result of a genetic mutation.
This article describes the different types and causes of heterochromia.
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It also explains what is involved in the diagnosis and whether or not treatment is needed.
Types and Symptoms of Heterochromia
The only symptom of heterochromia is a difference in eye colors.
Someone may, however, have other symptoms if their heterochromia stems from an underlying condition.
The extent of the difference in eye colors can differ.
To reflect this, heterochromia is classified in different ways.
In these cases, further evaluation with an ophthalmologist is warranted.
What Causes Heterochromia?
In the majority of cases, heterochromia occurs randomly.
Most people born with heterochromia do not have any other health problems or symptoms.
In rare cases, it is a symptom of anothercongenital(present from birth) disease.
If youre born with heterochromia, or it develops soon after your birth, its calledcongenital heterochromia.
Heterochromia that develops later in life is calledacquired heterochromia.
However, it is possible to have heterochromia because of inherited diseases like Waardenburg syndrome and piebaldism.
Heterochromia affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.
It is much more common in animals.
Diagnosis
Heterochromia can be diagnosed by anophthalmologist(eye doctor).
They will examine your eyes to confirm the diagnosis.
Signs of underlying diseases will also be assessed.
Further investigation may involve blood tests, imaging tests, and genetic tests.
Does Heterochromia Need Treatment?
Typically, theres no need to treat heterochromia if it isn’t triggered by another condition.
If your heterochromia is a result of an underlying disease or injury, those will need to be treated.
Heterochromia most frequently occurs at birth as the result of a random genetic mutation.
In this case, it requires no treatment.
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