The condition of having different-colored eyes is called heterochromia. It is a rare condition that affects about 1 in 1000 people. There are two main types of heterochromia:
- Congenital heterochromia is present at birth and is caused by a genetic mutation.
- Acquired heterochromia develops later in life and can be caused by an injury, disease, or medication.
In congenital heterochromia, the amount of melanin in the iris is uneven. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. People with brown eyes have more melanin in their irises than people with blue eyes. In congenital heterochromia, one iris may have more melanin than the other, resulting in different eye colors.
Acquired heterochromia can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Injury to the eye
- Tumors of the eye
- Inflammation of the eye
- Certain medications
- Systemic diseases such as albinism and Horner’s syndrome
In most cases, heterochromia is harmless and does not cause any problems with vision. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If you have heterochromia, it is important to see an eye doctor to rule out any underlying medical problems.
Here are some additional facts about heterochromia:
- It is more common in animals than in humans.
- It can be unilateral (affecting one eye) or bilateral (affecting both eyes).
- The difference in eye color can be subtle or dramatic.
- There is no cure for heterochromia, but it usually does not cause any problems.
If you are concerned about your eye color, it is always best to see an eye doctor.