Heterochromia Iridis: A Rare Eye Condition Not Known to Many

Heterochromia iridis is an unusual eye condition in which an eye's iris displays a different color compared to the other eye's iris. 

Iris, in particular, is the tissue of the eye, surrounding the pupil and reporting a color to the eye, be it blue, green, grey, or brown.

This unusual eye condition can exist at birth, or it can be acquired. According to a study, the occurrence of "congenital heterochromia iridis" is roughly six in every 1,000. However, in the majority of these incidences, it is barely evident or observable, not to mention, not linked to any other abnormality.

Reports present that below 200,000 people in the United States are suffering from heterochromia. Aside from humans, some types of this condition are also common among animals, particularly "dogs, horses and cats."

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Signs and Symptoms of Heterochromia Iridis

Medical experts claim that "the occurrence of different coloration between both eyes" is typically the lone sign of symptom of heterochromia iridis.

A lot of times, the difference is just minor that it is just observed under certain situations or in what is described as "close-up photographs."

If the leading cause of heterochromia iridis is trauma or infection, other indications or symptoms may exist. This condition, as earlier mentioned, is fully termed, when the whole iris in one side of the eye appears different in color compared to the other side.

Studies highlighting this condition indicate that, in the so-called "central heterochromia," the iris's inner ring exists. It appears different in color compared to the rest of the iris.

Meanwhile, the term heterochromia iridium is frequently used when there is incomplete heterochromia, as in central heterochromia. 

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Causes of Heterochromia Iridis

The color of the eye, according to research on the condition, is identified by the "concentration and melanin in the iris." In addition, an assortment of "genetic and non-genetic or acquired factors" impacts the final result and continuous maintenance of color of the iris.

In addition, most occurrences of heterochromia iridis take place intermittently, and not linked to any added symptoms or health conditions.

Acquire factors that may result in this condition may include trauma or injury to the affected eye and eye melanoma.

Rarely, this particular condition may be part of a congenital disorder like the Sturge-Weber Syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome, or Parry-Romberg syndrome, to name some.

Treating Heterochromia Iridis

If the heterochromia is not that important in terms of underlying cause like infection, treatment needs to be focused on the primary condition. 

In instances from which major cosmetic damage exists, a tinted contact lens will help "darken the eye that's appearing lighter." One can also wear a pair of contact lenses with two different colors. It will help the eyes achieve an average color.

Risk Factors

Studies present, hereditary irregularities, ophthalmic trauma and infection are all considered as risk factors for one to develop heterochromia iridis.

Additionally, the use of the so-called "prostaglandin analogue eye drops for glaucoma," or to kindle growth of eyelash, and medical reports indicate, is a changeable or adjustable risk factor.

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