Have you ever met someone with different colored eyes? This condition, known as heterochromia, affects around 1% of the population. It occurs when a person has different colored eyes or when one eye has more than one color. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of heterochromia and what causes them.
Complete Heterochromia
Complete heterochromia is when a person has two completely different colored eyes. For example, one eye might be brown while the other is blue. This type of heterochromia is usually caused by a lack of melanin in one eye, which gives it a lighter color.
Complete heterochromia can also be genetic, meaning it runs in families. It can be present at birth or develop later in life due to an injury or disease.
Partial Heterochromia
Partial heterochromia is when a person has two different colors in one eye. For example, the outer part might be blue while the inner part is brown. This type of heterochromia is also caused by a lack of melanin in certain parts of the eye.
Partial heterochromia can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition, such as Horner's syndrome, which affects the nerves in the face and eyes.
Sectoral Heterochromia
Sectoral heterochromia is when a person has a different color in one section of their eye. For example, there might be a patch of green in a brown eye. This type of heterochromia is also caused by a lack of melanin in certain parts of the eye.
Sectoral heterochromia is usually harmless and doesn't require treatment.
Causes of Heterochromia
As mentioned earlier, heterochromia can be caused by a lack of melanin in certain parts of the eye. This is called iris hypopigmentation. It can be a genetic condition or it can be caused by an injury or disease.
Heterochromia can also be caused by a condition called Waardenburg syndrome, which affects the pigment cells in the eyes, skin, and hair. This condition can cause hearing loss and other medical problems.
Some medications, such as certain eye drops, can also cause heterochromia as a side effect.
Treatment for Heterochromia
Most cases of heterochromia don't require treatment. However, if it's caused by an underlying medical condition, such as Waardenburg syndrome or Horner's syndrome, then treatment for that condition may help reduce or eliminate the heterochromia.
In some cases, people may choose to wear colored contact lenses to change the appearance of their eyes.
Famous People With Heterochromia
There are many famous people with heterochromia, including actors like Mila Kunis and Kate Bosworth, and musicians like David Bowie and Jane Seymour. Heterochromia can add an extra element of uniqueness and beauty to a person's appearance.
In Conclusion
Heterochromia is a rare condition that affects around 1% of the population. It occurs when a person has different colored eyes or when one eye has more than one color. Heterochromia can be caused by a lack of melanin in certain parts of the eye, genetic factors, or underlying medical conditions. Most cases of heterochromia don't require treatment, but it can be a sign of a medical problem in some cases. If you have heterochromia, embrace your unique appearance and know that you're in good company with many famous people who also have this condition.