HETEROCHROMIA: UNIQUENESS OF EYE COLOR

At this point, we should have a good understanding of the various types of eye colours. This brings us to a fascinating and uncommon eye condition that has captured interest for a long time. From well-known figures like David Bowie and Kate Bosworth to ordinary people, heterochromia gives a distinctive flair to one’s appearance, making their eyes stand out. In this blog post, we will explore the world of heterochromia, examining its causes, types, and some intriguing facts.

WHAT IS HETEROCHROMIA?

Heterochromia refers to a condition where there is a difference in colour between the irises of each eye or within various parts of a single iris (the colourful part of the eye). Typically, both eyes have matching colours; however, with heterochromia, one eye may be a different colour than the other. For instance, a person may have one eye that is brown and another that is blue. Alternatively, one iris may showcase two or more different colours. For example, a brown eye could have a blue section, or it may have blue streaks radiating from the pupil’s centre.

CAUSES OF HETEROCHROMIA

The differences in eye colour can result from the following factors:

1. Genetics: Heterochromia can be passed down from one’s parents.

2. Melanin Distribution: Irregularities in melanin dispersion during the development of the eye can lead to heterochromia.

3. Injury or Disease: Trauma, inflammation, or specific health conditions may cause heterochromia.

TYPES OF HETEROCHROMIA

1. Complete Heterochromia: One eye displays a colour that is entirely different from the other.

2. Sectoral Heterochromia: A portion of a single iris has a different colour than the rest. This is also referred to as partial heterochromia, meaning that one iris features a section that is a different hue from the remainder, resembling a slice missing from a pie (though that part of the iris remains intact; it simply has an alternative colour).

3. Central Heterochromia: One iris includes an inner ring that is a different colour from the rest, which may appear as spikes extending outward from the pupil.

Interesting, right? Keep an eye out for more about heterochromia. Until then, consider visiting TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako Abuja.

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