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Heterochromia is the presence of different colored eyes in the same person.
Alternative NamesDifferently colored eyes; Eyes - different colors
ConsiderationsHeterochromia is uncommon in humans, but quite common in dogs (such as Dalmatians and Australian sheep dogs), cats, and horses.
Common CausesMost cases of heterochromia are hereditary, caused by a disease or syndrome, or due to an injury. Sometimes one eye may change color following certain diseases or injuries.
Specific causes of eye color changes include:
- Bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Familial heterochromia
- Foreign object in the eye
- Glaucoma, or some medications used to treat it
- Injury
- Mild inflammation affecting only one eye
- Neurofibromatosis
- Waardenberg syndrome
Consult your health care provider if you notice new changes in the color of one eye, or two differently colored eyes in your infant. A thorough eye examination is needed to be sure this isn't a symptom of a medical problem.
Some conditions and syndromes associated with heterochromia, such as pigmentary glaucoma, can only be detected by a thorough eye exam.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeYour health care provider may ask the following questions to help evaluate the cause:
- Did you notice the two different eye colors when the child was born, shortly after the birth, or recently?
- Are any other symptoms present?
An infant with heterochromia should be examined by both a pediatrician and an ophthalmologist for other possible problems.
A complete eye examination can rule out most causes of heterochromia. If there doesn't seem to be an underlying disorder, no further testing may be necessary. If another disorder is suspected, diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or chromosome studies, may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
ReferencesOlitsky SE, Hug D, Smith LP. Abnormalities of pupil and iris. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 621.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoHeterochromia is different colored eyes in the same person.
Alternative NamesDifferently colored eyes; Eyes - different colors
ConsiderationsHeterochromia is uncommon in humans, but quite common in dogs (such as Dalmatians and Australian sheep dogs), cats, and horses.
Common CausesMost cases of heterochromia are hereditary, caused by a disease or syndrome, or due to an injury. Sometimes one eye may change color following certain diseases or injuries.
Specific causes of eye color changes include:
- Bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Familial heterochromia
- Foreign object in the eye
- Glaucoma, or some medications used to treat it
- Injury
- Mild inflammation affecting only one eye
- Neurofibromatosis
- Waardenburg syndrome
Consult your health care provider if you notice new changes in the color of one eye, or two differently colored eyes in your infant. A thorough eye examination is needed to be sure this isn't a symptom of a medical problem.
Some conditions and syndromes associated with heterochromia, such as pigmentary glaucoma, can only be detected by a thorough eye exam.
What to expect at your health care provider's officeYour health care provider may ask the following questions to help evaluate the cause:
- Did you notice the two different eye colors when the child was born, shortly after the birth, or recently?
- Are any other symptoms present?
An infant with heterochromia should be examined by both a pediatrician and an ophthalmologist for other possible problems.
A complete eye examination can rule out most causes of heterochromia. If there doesn't seem to be an underlying disorder, no further testing may be necessary. If another disorder is suspected, diagnostic tests, such as blood tests or chromosome studies, may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
ReferencesOlitsky SE, Hug D, Plummer LS, Stass-Isern M. Abnormalities of pupil and iris. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds.Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 614. Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/07/2011
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Can Heterochromia be passed on to children?
Heterochromia is a genetic mutation that cannot be passed down to children. It occurs as a defect in meiosis, and it produces an extra gene for eye colour. Alas, there is a greater chance that the child of a person with heterochromia will also get heterochromia, because there is a better chance of the gene mutating. But still, the chance of heterochromia is rare nonetheless.
How many people have heterochromia?
Complete Heterochromia is rare in humans, but it is common in animals such as dogs and cats.
Is sectoral heterochromia inherited?
sectoral heterochromia is an autosomally dominant trait, meaning it is inherited from both your parents.
Is heterochromia bad or good?
it depends on your point of view. Heterochromia is just a variation in eye color; not harmful.
Can central heterochromia eventually expand to sectoral or complete heterochromia?
my good sir, i am asking the exact same question...
What percentage of dogs have heterochromia?
3.5%
How much of the world's population has heterochromia?
Approximately 1% of the world's population is estimated to have heterochromia, a condition characterized by having different colored eyes. This can either be genetic or acquired later in life due to injury or disease.
Does Central heterochromia affect eye sight?
Nope
Why does kate brosworth have a brown and blue eye?
Heterochromia.
How do you get heterochromia without contacts?
You can't, it's genetic.
What actors and actresses appeared in Heterochromia - 2013?
The cast of Heterochromia - 2013 includes: Phil Garrelhas as John Fallow Evan Giannis as Tommy Jada Rifkin as Aly
Do I have Central Heterochromia?
"Hazel" eye coloring is sometimes caused by central heterochromia. It's still not particularly prevalent in general, but it's not as rare as one might think.
