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Oct 26, 2023 · Is heterochromia good or bad? It's neither good nor bad and doesn't affect your health. But it may be caused by a health condition, so let your doctor know so they can check you.
- Overview
- Possible Causes
- Care and Treatment
- When to Call the Doctor
Heterochromia is when your eyes are different colors. Each eye may be a different color, or there may be color variations within the same eye. It’s often due to a harmless genetic mutation. Other causes include congenital and acquired conditions, eye injury and some eye drops. An eye care specialist can diagnose or rule out such underlying causes.
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OverviewPossible CausesCare and TreatmentWhen to Call the Doctor
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What causes heterochromia?
Causes of heterochromia include: Genetic mutations that only affect eye color (and which are harmless). Congenital (present from birth) or acquired conditions. Eye injuries or complications from certain treatments.
How is heterochromia treated?
Healthcare providers don’t have a specific treatment for heterochromia. It’s often a harmless variation in eye color. However, providers treat underlying conditions that cause heterochromia when they’re present. Some causes, like neuroblastoma, require quick diagnosis and treatment. For this reason, it’s important to see an eye care specialist for a proper diagnosis. They’ll give you a complete eye exam to check your eye health.
When should I see a healthcare provider?
See an ophthalmologist or optometrist if you notice any changes in your eye color or appearance. They’ll figure out the cause and give you treatment if needed. Heterochromia due to some congenital conditions, like Horner syndrome, may appear early in a baby’s life. If you notice your baby has different eye colors or other visual signs like small pupils or a drooping eyelid , tell their pediatrician. They’ll refer your child to specialists (including an ophthalmologist and neurologist) if needed to check for underlying conditions that may need treatment. A note from Cleveland Clinic If you notice your eyes are different colors, you might worry something is wrong. You may worry even more if you notice this sign in your child. The important thing to remember is not to panic. Heterochromia itself isn’t a disease, and it’s often harmless. But it can be a sign of some conditions that require treatment. So, schedule an appointment with an eye care specialist. They’ll find an explanation for the issue and, when needed, treat the underlying cause. Sometimes, the only treatment you need is hearing that everything is OK. And that’s just as important as any medicine. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/28/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
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Nov 2, 2021 · Q: Is having heterochromia, or different-colored eyes, a bad thing? A: Not usually, but it depends on the cause. Congenital heterochromia is usually harmless and rarely reflects an underlying illness. However, acquired heterochromia may be caused by certain glaucoma eye drops, eye injury or disease, and it can reveal a problem.
- Not usually, but it depends on the cause. Congenital heterochromia is harmless and does not reflect an underlying illness. However, acquired hetero...
- Heterochromia is more common in females than in males based on a study performed several decades ago in Austria.
- An eye with central heterochromia has one distinct color around the pupil and a different color around the outer edge of the iris. Hazel eyes are a...
Mar 26, 2024 · There are generally no risk factors associated with heterochromia, and it is not in itself an inherited disease. However, it is possible to have heterochromia because of inherited diseases like Waardenburg syndrome and piebaldism.
- Tolu Ajiboye
Apr 17, 2024 · When part of one iris is a different color than the rest of it, this is called partial heterochromia. Central heterochromia is when there is an inner ring that is a different color than the outer area of the iris. But what causes heterochromia and should people with the condition be concerned? Heterochromia Causes
Dec 6, 2022 · Last Updated Dec 6, 2022. Heterochromia: When Does It Occur? (Types & Causes) Home / Eye Conditions & Eye Diseases / Heterochromia. Heterochromia describes both eyes being a different color. For example, the left eye is green, and the right eye is blue. Table of Contents. Types of Heterochromia. Causes. Diagnostic Process. Treatment.
Feb 5, 2024 · Heterochromia is an eye condition characterized by color differences in your iris, the colored part of your eye. 2 This can occur between the two eyes or within one eye. Central heterochromia is when one eye contains multiple pigments. It can cause a color abnormality that stems from the pupil at the center of the eyes, like cat eyes.
