Heterochromia can occur based on the amount of melanin (less melanin = lighter color, more melanin = darker color) contained in the iris - the part of the eye that gives it color. Partial heterochromia, wherein the eye has a spot of color other than the primary eye color, can occur in one or both eyes and, like the other two varieties, does not affect visual acuity. However, those with acquired and genetic heterochromias should seek a physician as the condition could be a symptom of a significant problem that needs treatment.įor cosmetic concerns, using colored contact lenses can correct differences in eye color.Partial heterochromia, also called sectoral heterochromia, is one of three types of heterochromia (the other two being complete and central heterochromia). Usually, central heterochromia is a benign condition and does not require treatment. The underlying cause determines the need for medical treatment and the treatment route. Occasionally the doctor will order an OCT or optical coherence tomography (a non-invasive eye imaging test) or blood tests and chromosome studies for those with genetic heterochromia. However, central heterochromia occurring later in life or as a genetic trait could indicate underlying health conditions or complications and requires a doctor’s attention.Īn optometrist or ophthalmologist will complete a comprehensive eye examination consisting of a visual test and inspection of the optic nerve, peripheral vision, pupils, and eye pressure. How Is Central Heterochromia Diagnosed?Ĭentral heterochromia is usually harmless and does not need a diagnosis. Central heterochromia that appears later in life can indicate medical complications such as injuries, diabetes, or infection. When central heterochromia appears as a genetic trait, it’s typically linked to an underlying congenital disease like Horner’s syndrome. While the exact cause of central heterochromia is still unknown, it often randomly happens at birth. Vast differences in melanin distribution create central heterochromia. Hazel eyes are also rare, found in only about 5% of the population. However, the rarity of other types of heterochromia suggests it is rare as well. Researchers are uncertain of the rarity of the central heterochromia, as, with its relatively normal appearance, it can be challenging to document. Heterochromia is sporadic, with less than 200,000 people in the United States experiencing complete heterochromia. In contrast, central heterochromia causes a constant ring of color around the pupil that is drastically different from the rest of the iris. Moreover, hazel is considered a normal eye color, while central heterochromia is a medical condition. ![]() Under different circumstances, hazel eyes even appear to change color. Hazel eyes may have a mixture of colors, but these colors all blend while moving outward from the pupil. The difference between hazel eyes and central heterochromia is the distribution of melanin (the pigment that gives eyes their color) throughout the iris. How Are Hazel Eyes and Central Heterochromia Different? Celebrities with heterochromia include Kate Bosworth, Mila Kunis, and Olivia Wilde. For example, a person with green or blue eyes may have a ring of gold in the center of the iris around their pupil. In central heterochromia, a ring of color in the center of the eye surrounding the pupil is different from the rest of the iris. Types of heterochromia include complete, segmental, and central, each defined by the appearance of two contrasting eye colors. Heterochromia derives from the greek “hetero,” meaning different, and “chromia,” meaning color. ![]() Most often seen in Spanish, Brazillian, Middle Eastern, and North African descent, some celebrities with hazel eyes include Jada Pinkett Smith, Sofia Vergara, and Rashida Jones.
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