Heterochromia iridum is one of the less common eye conditions, which can be observed in people. It is characterised with an individual having one of their irises, being coloured differently than the iris of their other eye. This is a relatively curious condition and we would like you to join us into taking a look into it in this article.
What is heterochromia iridum?
One of the most simple ways of recognising a person with heterochromia iridum, is if you see their eyes are coloured differently from one another. This, however, is not the only possible tell of heterochromia. Sometimes the colour difference might be appearing partially as well. One eye could be brown, while the other can be brown with a bit of blue in some parts of the same iris. This, however, is another type of heterochromia.
What are the types of heterochromia?
There are three types of heterochromia, which impact the range and variety of the colouration of the iris. They are separate into complete heterochromia, central heterochromia and sectoral heterochromia.
Complete heterochromia, also known as heterochromia iridum, describes two eyes which are completely different in colour. For example one eye could be brown, while the other one can be blue.
Central heterochromia only when the colour mismatch of the eye appears around the pupil and going outwards, it switches into another colour. With this type of heterochromia, the mismatch appears in both eyes. It is also known as heterochromia iridis.
The third type of mismatch is called sectoral or partial heterochromia. When it comes to this type of heterochromia, the colour mismatch can appear in either one or in both eyes. Additionally, the colour mismatch between both eyes can differ, appearing in different colours and patterns than the other.
There is also acquired heterochromia, which can appear at different times in life for a multitude of reasons, such as other conditions or injuries. It can come in the form of any of the three types.
Is heterochromia dangerous and how does it appear?
The condition does not pose a threat to the vision or your general health, but it could be discomforting to a person who is not fond of it. It's effects are purely cosmetic if it has been inherited. It generally appears from birth in most cases.
This condition, however, can also appear later in life as well, as a symptom of another condition, which might require your attention. If you suddenly find your eyes mismatching in colour, make sure to check with your eye specialist, so they can tell you if it's something you should worry about.
There is a National Different Coloured Eyes Day in the US
Every year on the 12th of july, heterochromia iridum has its own day marked, in an aim to educate about this condition, making a lot of interesting facts available. The first recorded cases of the condition and more specific about it are being offered to everybody willing to take a closer look into the nature of the condition.
How to deal with its effects?
There are no really negative effects from it. This condition is generally well perceived, but there are still people who are not particularly fond of it. In such a case there are a number of simple methods to deal with it.
Contact lenses are one of the easiest methods to achieve the desired look of your eyes, as there are a wide range of different colour variations for your eye. Same applies if you want to achieve the look of eyes, which are a mismatching colour.
Other than that, there are a number of treatments available for any underlying conditions that could have caused the appearance of the acquired type of eye colour mismatch. You will need to be properly examined and assigned a proper treatment by your doctors for it.
Heterochromia iridum is one of the eye conditions, which are benign the majority of the time, can affect your eyes and can generally be a very unique and cool look for your eyes. If you look for equally good-looking or simply efficient vision enhancing eyewear, you should give our shop a look, for some stunning options!