Why do we stretch in the morning?...
Each person's eye color is a unique characteristic that is determined by the degree of pigmentation of the iris. As a rule, both eyes have the same color, but there is an abnormal pigmentation, which is called “heterochromia of the eyes.”
Such an anomaly can be passed on from generation to generation and only appear over time. Heterochromia is not always a unique look; it can be a symptom of some pathological processes. In general, this is a rather rare anomaly, occurring in only one percent of the world's population. In most cases, one eye is blue and the other is brown.
What is another name for heterochromia in ophthalmology? Experts call different eye colors in people piebaldism. In women, the anomaly is more common, although there are no anatomical or physiological prerequisites for this. So why do people have different eye colors?
Why do people have different eyes?
Piebaldism develops as a result of a lack or, conversely, an excess amount of melanin in the iris of the eye. The more melanin, the darker the eye, and the less, the lighter it is.
One of the harmless causes of piebaldism (as discordance of the eyes is called) is a genetic predisposition
Other reasons can provoke the appearance of an anomaly:
- Fuchs syndrome. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels in the eyes. The process causes blurred vision and deterioration of vision, up to complete loss;
- injury. Usually light eyes darken, acquiring a brown or green tint;
- neurofibromatosis;
- glaucoma;
- penetration of a foreign body;
- oncological processes: melanoma, neuroblastoma;
- hemorrhage;
- iris atrophy;
- siderosis – iron deposition occurs in the eyes;
- a side effect of certain medications, namely antiglaucoma medications.
This is an acquired ophthalmological disorder, which is characterized by unilateral lesions. Fuchs syndrome is characterized by a slow progression of the inflammatory process in the iris. Characterized by alternating periods of remission and relapse. Fuchs syndrome is more common in older people.
The disease progresses slowly and is difficult to detect for a long time. Usually an anomaly is discovered by chance, perceiving it as a congenital defect. An important diagnostic symptom is the slow deterioration of vision in the affected eye and the appearance of floaters. The lens becomes cloudy over time, and due to thinning, the iris becomes lighter. It is even possible to develop secondary glaucoma. The affected eye becomes darker than the healthy one.
Fuchs syndrome causes noticeable nodules to appear on the iris. The appearance of spots may indicate the development of atrophic changes in the posterior pigment layer. As the pathological process progresses, the iris becomes faded and dull.
Fuchs syndrome threatens the development of glaucoma and cataracts
Fuchs syndrome does not cause pain, redness or swelling, which is why it goes undetected for a long time. The pathological process can be the result of a variety of reasons:
- inflammation inside the eyeball;
- neurodystrophy of the blood vessels of the eye;
- ocular toxoplasmosis.
Heterochromia can be corrected with colored lenses, and visual acuity can be corrected with glasses. Conservative therapy includes the use of nootropic, angioprotective, vasodilator agents and vitamin complexes. Treatment should be aimed at activating trophic processes in the iris of the eye. Topical corticosteroids may also be prescribed. In advanced stages, surgery is used.
Prolonged exposure to iron-containing objects in the eye can lead to the deposition of organic and inorganic salts. The iron-containing fragment slowly dissolves and permeates the tissues of the eye. The first symptoms of sideriosis can be detected several months after the fragment is implanted. Treatment consists of removing the foreign body.
Multi-colored eyes may be the result of siderosis
Neurofibromatosis
Signs of the pathological process appear in the first years of a child’s life. Boys get sick much more often than girls. Neurofibromatosis may be accompanied by a deterioration in intelligence and the appearance of epileptic seizures. Patients develop café-au-lait spots on the skin.
Ocular manifestations occur in twenty percent of cases and are sometimes the only manifestations of the pathological process. Symptoms largely depend on the location, size and number of neurofibromatous nodes. In the conjunctiva of the eyelids they look like strands; in the mucous membrane of the eyeball, neurofibromas look like individual beads.
Varieties
Depending on the causative factors, the anomaly in humans is of two types: acquired and congenital. If heterochromia is associated with damage to the iris, then it is divided into simple and complicated. Depending on the degree of coloration of the iris:
- complete when one eye is blue and the other is brown. In this case, the iris is colored evenly;
- sectoral or partial. In this case, the iris has several shades. The iris of one eye combines areas painted in different colors;
- central heterochromia. This means that the iris has several full-fledged color rings. This is the most common form, in which pigmentation is disrupted in the area around the pupil.
People with different eye colors continue to see and perceive colors absolutely normally.
Diagnosis and treatment of people with different eyes
Regardless of the patient’s assumptions regarding the nature of heterochromia, the first stage of the treatment process is to contact a certified ophthalmologist. The anomaly may be a symptom of serious pathological processes that require early diagnosis and timely treatment. To identify pathological changes in the tissues of the eye, laboratory and specialized examinations are carried out.
If the ophthalmologist finds that the patient has eyes of different colors, but vision does not deteriorate and there are no other clinical symptoms, then treatment may not be prescribed at all.
If the eyes have become different colors due to ophthalmic diseases or disruption of the integrity of the iris, then treatment includes the use of steroid drugs. In some cases, removal of the vitreous will be necessary. Anti-inflammatory, miotic and antibacterial drugs can be prescribed as auxiliary therapy.
Have you met people with different eye colors? Sometimes this may be a hereditary characteristic of the patient, but in some cases this anomaly is associated with serious diseases that require timely intervention by specialists. Do not self-medicate, contact a specialist and follow his recommendations.
ICD-10 ICD-9 OMIM Not to be confused with Heterochromatin. Not to be confused with Heterochrony. Heterochromia(from the Greek ἕτερος - “different”, “different”, χρῶμα - color) - different colors of the iris of the right and left eyes or unequal coloring of different parts of the iris of one eye. It is the result of a relative excess or deficiency of melanin (pigment). Also, heterochromia refers to different colors of the skin or hair.
Eye color, that is, the color of the irises, is determined primarily by the concentration and distribution of melanin. An eye affected by heterochromia may be hyperpigmented or hypopigmented.
Newborn babies' eyes are often brighter than usual. The eye almost always becomes dull with age. But sometimes it can maintain color depth. This is a rare phenomenon, but is more common in complete heterochromia, although the chances of this phenomenon are still small.
Classification and causes
Heterochromia is classified primarily as genetic or acquired. Although a distinction is often made between heterochromia of the eye: full(Greek heterochromia iridis) and partial. At complete heterochromia The color of one iris is different from the color of the other. At partial heterochromia or sector heterochromia The color of one part of the iris is different from the color of the remaining part.
Congenital heterochromia
As a rule, it is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
- Simple heterochromia is a phenomenon characterized by the absence of other ocular or systemic problems. Abnormally light eyes are usually considered to be iris hypoplasia. It can manifest itself either completely or partially.
- Waardenburg syndrome
- Horner's syndrome
- Piebaldism is the presence on the skin of the limbs, face and some other parts of the body of congenital white spots, completely devoid of melanocytes; inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and is caused by various mutations
- Hirschsprung's disease
- Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome
- Parry-Romberg disease (Romberg syndrome)
Acquired heterochromia
It is usually acquired due to injury, inflammation, tumors, or the use of certain eye drops.
Abnormal darkening of the iris
- Corneal iron deposits - Siderosis(deposition of iron in the tissues of the eye) and Hemosiderosis
- Certain eye drops that are used externally to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Occurs due to stimulation of melanin synthesis in the iris
- Tumor
- Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome
Abnormal lightening of the iris
- Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis - as a result of intraocular inflammation, atrophy of the iris occurs and heterochromia characteristic of this condition occurs
- Horner's syndrome - usually acquired due to neuroblastoma, but can also be congenital
- Melanoma can also cause lightening of the iris
In addition, heterochromia can be caused by Stilling-Turk-Duane syndrome, mosaicism, uveitis, juvenile xanthogranuloma, leukemia and lymphoma.
Heterochromia in animals
Complete heterochromia
Odd-eyed black cat Heterochromia is more common in animals than in humans. It usually results in one eye turning blue.
Eyes of different colors can be found in completely white cats or in cats with a large percentage of white in color, especially in breeds such as the Van cat and the Turkish Angora. Cats with eyes of different colors are called odd-eyed. Odd-eyed cats have one eye that is orange, yellow, or green, and the other eye is blue.
According to legend, the favorite cat of the Prophet Muhammad, Muizza, had eyes of different colors.
In domestic dogs, heterochromia is common in the Siberian Husky breed.
Horses with complete heterochromia usually have one brown eye and one white, gray or blue eye. Complete heterochromia is most common in pinto horses. It is also found among cows and Asian buffalos.
Sector heterochromia
Sector heterochromia is common in the Australian Shepherd, Husky and Border Collie breeds.
Known cases of heterochromia
Kate Bosworth, Tim McIlroth, Mila Kunis, Alice Eve have heterochromia.
Among the literary examples of heterochromia are the books “Mages can do anything” (all magicians with innate abilities have eyes of different colors), “Four Tankmen and a Dog” (in the book tank commander Vasily Semyonov has different eyes), “The White Guard” (Lieutenant Viktor Myshlaevsky) and “The Master and Margarita” (Woland) by Mikhail Bulgakov. In the literary series “Ethnogenesis,” heterochromia is used as an indicator of the characters’ wearing of one or another magical artifact.
Many heroes of computer games, cartoons and anime have heterochromia.
Gallery
Different eye colors
Eye color depends on the blood supply to the vessels of the iris and the amount of pigment it contains. This pupil-thin diaphragm is located in front of the lens and behind the cornea. The color of the pigment may indicate a disease in the body. For example, with liver disease, the iris becomes yellow or brown. The natural color of pigments depends on genes and race. It can also be a characteristic feature of a particular nationality. There are only three colors of pigment. These are brown, blue and yellow. The mixing of these pigments in the blood vessels determines the color of the eyes. For example, mixing blue and yellow gives a green color.
Different eye colors
Sometimes there is an excess or deficiency of melanin in the iris. Then a phenomenon called heterochromia is possible, the manifestation of which is different eye colors. This condition occurs in both humans and animals. Most often, the color of one eye is brown and the other blue. But still, each person has his own, unique form of heterochromia. Such people look mysterious and unusual, standing out from the crowd.
Heterochromia happens:
1. Complete, when the colors of the irises of the eyes are different.
2. Partial, in which one pupil combines two colors.
Different colored eyes in cats are no longer surprising. This phenomenon is familiar to us. Eyes of different colors are much less common in people. Heterochromia can be congenital, resulting from an excess or deficiency of melanin. But there is also an acquired condition as a result of injury, in people with tumors or glaucoma.
From a psychological point of view, people with different eye colors are considered extraordinary, unpredictable and fearless. However, they exhibit pronounced egocentrism. Demanding a lot of attention to their personality, they love to be alone with themselves. As a result, they have a very narrow circle of close people.
Women with different eye colors always strive for perfection. They love to enjoy their appearance, considering it ideal. Possessing a delicate taste, they are fond of poetry, music, dancing and are great optimists.
People with different eye colors lead a measured lifestyle. Bright events happen quite rarely for them. But this does not cause disappointment. Thanks to their inexhaustible imagination and remarkable organizational skills, they can always arrange a holiday for themselves.
Women with different eye colors are always looking for their unique and unique. And only with him will they be wise and wonderful housewives, creating such comfort and coziness in the house that one can only envy the husband. But at the same time, these women will never forget to carefully monitor their appearance.
Such ladies have a natural addiction to alcohol. But due to their wisdom, they will easily overcome this craving. But once they try smoking, they are unlikely to be able to quit.
When communicating with people with different eye colors, do not forget that they are very capricious and stubborn. It is unlikely that you will be able to emerge victorious in an argument with them. They can even be rude in their desire to prove that they are right.
When communicating with such people, you need to choose your words carefully. They will quickly forgive, but the resentment will remain for a long time.
Heterochromia should not be perceived as a disease or mutation. Different eye colors do not affect your health in any way. A person with heterochromia perceives the colors of the surrounding world absolutely normally and sees like an ordinary person.
Interesting and explainable: a person with different eye colors
First of all, it should be noted that this phenomenon occurs in the animal world an order of magnitude more often than in the human world. For example, among Persian cats, a very common feature is considered to be different eye colors (usually one is bright orange and the other is blue, which looks very unusual). A person with different eye colors can rightfully be proud of his peculiarity, because according to research, the character of such individuals is unpredictable and 
impetuosity. Often such people are fearless, they love to surprise and impress. Among the shortcomings, one can note a hypertrophied Ego: “oddly-eyed” people are often fixated on themselves. They simply cannot live if others do not pay enough attention to them. If your new acquaintance is a person with different eye colors, you can be sure: he loves solitude and prefers to spend his free time in a narrow circle of close friends. He may look stubborn and capricious from the outside, but once you get to know him better, you will be convinced that this is not the case at all.
Women with different colored eyes
According to statistical studies, girls with eyes of different colors tend to be overweight. However, this does not prevent them from treating themselves with reverence: “oddly-eyed” people love themselves and are determined to get the most out of life. They love holidays and entertainment and never miss an opportunity to “shine.” Another positive quality they have is patience. A woman with different-colored eyes, most likely, will not complain about life for a long time; she will prefer to do everything to resolve an unpleasant situation. Most of them are creative people. Whatever they put their hand to bears fruit. They sing, dance, do drawing, sewing, knitting - in all such areas, success awaits the “oddly eyes”.
Marriage
A person with different eye colors is likely to be fickle in love. However, this only lasts until he meets his other half. Once this happens, your acquaintance will change so dramatically that it will be difficult to recognize him. From now on, he will live only for the sake of his beloved creature and will do everything to surround him with care and attention, to make his life as comfortable as possible.
Relationships with parents
If a child has eyes of different colors, you can rejoice: according to statistics, people with different-colored eyes treat their parents very warmly, never conflict with them, and enjoy spending time with their family. They are touchy, but forgive easily and never harbor a grudge.
Reasons for the phenomenon
Probably every person with different eye colors wants to know the reasons for their “peculiarity.” By and large, there are two of them: the phenomenon can be congenital (and explained by genetics) and acquired (this indicates changes occurring in the body, most often unhealthy).
Heterochrony
When asked what different eye colors are called, any ophthalmologist will answer you: heterochrony. In most cases, it is caused by an excess or lack of melanin and accompanies diseases such as glaucoma or even a benign tumor. In addition, changes in eye pigmentation may be a reaction to medications.
Why do people have two eyes of different colors?
I have seen people who have one eye green and the other yellow green, etc. why does this happen??
Leka
Heterochromia of the iris (heterochromia; hetero- + Greek chroma color, color; synonym heterophthalmos) - different color of the iris of the right and left eyes or unequal color of different parts of the iris of one eye.
People who have eyes of different colors are called mosaics.
The different color is explained by a mutation in the embryo after fertilization of the egg. That is, a mutation in the blastula even before the formation of the endoderm. The earlier the mutation occurred, the more clearly it manifests itself in appearance.
The owner of eyes of different colors has nothing to fear - this does not indicate any disease. It's just a game of nature. Some people and animals, although this phenomenon is quite rare, have eyes of different colors. Despite the apparent asymmetry of the face caused by different eye colors, such animals and people may have features that distinguish them from other individuals, but with eyes of the same color.
It has recently been noted that people and animals with such a multi-colored combination of irises have a certain “magical power” to attract the opposite sex of their species. For example, “odd-eyed” cats very easily gain the attention of the person they are interested in. As for people, many who are familiar with odd-eyed people noted that they have some kind of “zest” and charm.
So, those who were born with different-colored eyes should not despair, but use their natural external charm for their own purposes to achieve success in business and in their personal lives.
Here's a concrete example: David Bowie.
What if a person has different eyes?
*Kisunya*
“Heterochromia of the iris (heterochromia; hetero- + Greek chroma color, color; synonym heterophthalmos) - different colors of the iris of the right and left eyes or unequal color of different parts of the iris of one eye. People with eyes of different colors are called mosaics.
It is the result of a relative excess or deficiency of melanin (pigment). Partial or sector heterochromia is less common than complete heterochromia, less than 4:1,000,000.
The different color is explained by a mutation in the embryo after fertilization of the egg. That is, a mutation in the blastula even before the formation of the endoderm. The earlier the mutation occurred, the more clearly it manifests itself in appearance. The owner of eyes of different colors has nothing to fear - this does not indicate any disease. It's just a game of nature. Some people and animals, although this phenomenon is quite rare, have eyes of different colors. Despite the apparent asymmetry of the face caused by different eye colors, such animals and people may have features that distinguish them from other individuals, but with eyes of the same color. For example, it has been noted that “odd-eyed” cats very easily gain the attention of the person they are interested in. As for people, many who are familiar with odd-eyed people noted that they have some kind of “zest” and charm.”
The color of the iris depends on the amount of pigment and the blood supply to its vessels. Pigments can indicate a disease, for example, yellow or brown pigment appears in liver disease. The color of natural pigments depends on genes, nationality, and race.
The color of the iris is determined by the mixing of color in the vessels and the mixing of pigment colors, for example, green is a mixture of yellow and blue. There are no yellow eyes, but if the blood vessels in the iris are pale in color, the color may appear yellow-green. With a high concentration of melanin, the iris acquires a black tint; gray is a type of blue.
Heterochromia is of two types: complete and partial. Complete heterochromia occurs when the color of the iris is completely different from the color of the “iris” of the other eye. Partial heterochromia is very rare, occurring in about 4 people out of 1 million, when one part of the “iris” is different from the rest, i.e. one eye combines two colors.
Heterochromia occurs after the cell, it does not in any way affect. People with this phenomenon see and perceive everything around them, like everyone else. Most often it occurs in the fairer sex than. There have been cases where heterochromia became acquired due to disease or injury (Waardenburg syndrome or Hirschsprung disease).
People with heterochromia acquire a certain zest, among them there are many famous and popular singers: Kate Bosworth (sector heterochromia), David Bowie (pseudo-heterochromia due to injury), Christopher Walken, etc.
Sources:
- why are the eyes different colors
- Different eyes for a person
People with eyes of different colors attract attention with their unusual appearance. In the Middle Ages, during the times of superstition, different eye colors were considered a sign of a witch and witchcraft abilities. However, the reason for this phenomenon is much simpler.
Sometimes you can meet people whose eyes differ from each other. This phenomenon is called and is very rare. Congenital is a consequence of a mutation that occurs after fertilization of the egg. In this case, it does not affect human health in any way. His vision and color perception are normal.
It happens that the owner of “multi-colored” eyes is embarrassed because of his peculiarity. In this case, he can use lenses to make the eyes look the same. However, it is not recommended to constantly wear colored lenses, unlike regular ones.
Complete and partial heterochromia
The word "heterochromia" comes from two Greek words that translate as "other" and "color." It can be genetic or acquired, complete or partial. Complete heterochromia is characterized by a complete difference in the colors of the iris. The most common case is when one eye is blue and the other is any other color.
Less common is partial, sectoral heterochromia, when different parts of the iris have different colors. For example, the iris is blue or with brown splashes. No more than four people out of a million have partial income. There is also central heterochromia - when the area around the pupil is one color, and the iris is another.
Acquired and genetically determined heterochromia
Genetically determined heterochromia is usually inherited as a dominant trait. When heterochromia is transmitted genetically, it usually appears only a month after birth, and initially the eyes are the same color.
Injuries, tumors, inflammations, and certain eye drops can be the cause of acquired. If a change in eye color is the result of an illness, then after treatment the previous color usually does not return.
If a person suddenly begins to change the color of one or both eyes, it makes sense to go to an ophthalmologist for an examination. The fact is that different eye colors can indicate health problems. Darkening can occur with chronic inflammation, melanoma, siderosis, hemosiderosis; and lightening - for Duane syndrome, acquired Horner syndrome, lymphoma, leukemia, Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis. Partial heterochromia can sometimes be a consequence of hereditary diseases such as Waardenburg Syndrome or Hirschsprung's Disease.
