What Do You Know About Heterochromia? Learn the Types and Causes

Heterochromia is a fascinating condition where a person has different colored eyes or variations of color within the same eye. It is often harmless and purely cosmetic, but in some cases, it can signal an underlying health concern. Understanding the types and causes of heterochromia helps clarify when to enjoy its uniqueness and when to seek professional advice.

What Is Heterochromia?

Heterochromia occurs when there is an imbalance of melanin—the pigment responsible for eye color. This condition can be present from birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). There are three main types:

• Complete heterochromia: Each eye is a completely different color.
• Sectoral heterochromia: A single eye has sections of different colors.
• Central heterochromia: The area around the pupil is a different color from the rest of the iris.

Most cases of heterochromia do not affect vision or eye health. However, sudden changes in eye color can indicate a medical issue.

Causes of Heterochromia

Congenital heterochromia is usually genetic and unrelated to disease. It may run in families and often requires no treatment. In contrast, acquired heterochromia develops later and may result from:

• Eye injuries
• Inflammation (uveitis)
• Certain medications, especially for glaucoma
• Horner’s syndrome
• Diabetes-related eye problems
• Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis
• Pigmentary glaucoma

If you notice a change in your eye color, especially later in life, it is important to have a complete eye exam. At OptiCare Health, we provide comprehensive evaluations to detect and address any underlying conditions that may cause heterochromia.

Is Heterochromia Harmful?

In most cases, heterochromia does not affect eyesight or eye function. People with congenital heterochromia often have normal vision. However, acquired heterochromia may be a sign of disease. Conditions like uveitis or glaucoma require early diagnosis and treatment to prevent vision loss. Our experienced team at OptiCare Health recommends regular eye exams, especially if heterochromia appears suddenly or changes over time.

When to Schedule an Eye Exam

You should book an appointment if:

• You notice sudden changes in eye color
• You experience vision problems, discomfort, or pain
• You have a family history of eye diseases and want a routine check-up

If you have heterochromia or any unusual eye changes, our clinic in Brooklyn offers advanced diagnostic tools to assess your eye health. We recommend a comprehensive eye exam to rule out serious issues. In addition, our Vision Simulator can demonstrate how eye conditions may affect sight, helping patients understand their visual health better. Early diagnosis is key to maintaining healthy vision. Our team at OptiCare Health provides personalized care for every patient.