Some people are born with eyes of different colors; this is the result of a genetic anomaly called heterochromia or ocular heterochromia. It is a very rare issue that affects the pigmentation of the iris, where the melanin pigment of the eyes is located. Normally, eyes are blue, green, brown, or black, and when heterochromia occurs, the eyes appear in different colors, with each eye being a different color, or even one iris displaying differing or mixed colors within the same eye.
The main reason for different colored eyes is a genetic problem, but it can also occur congenitally or be acquired, developing due to Waardenburg syndrome, when a child experiences hearing loss and changes in skin and hair coloration, also affecting the color of the iris. Horner’s syndrome can also be responsible for the discoloration of the iris, causing the eyes to have different colors. This syndrome acts from within the womb, damaging nerves in the nervous system near the eye region, which leads to a smaller pupil and lightening of the iris color.
Since different colored eyes can be noticed shortly after birth, the pediatrician will request specialized follow-up with an ophthalmologist. Over the months, the colors become more set, improving the chances of a more precise diagnosis. In cases where a child’s iris color changes from one day to the next, the child should be evaluated by a specialist to identify the cause. Reasons such as eye trauma due to a blow, the presence of a foreign object, or even inflammation of the iris can be among the causes linked to loss of eye pigmentation and should be treated immediately. Cysts and tumors are also causes for color changes in the eyes, as is diabetes. However, most of the time it can simply be a difference that attracts a lot of attention!
What Is It Like To Have Eyes of Different Colors?
Cristina, age 35, has two children with this genetic alteration! She attributes this to heredity since her maternal grandfather has eyes of different colors. Her daughter Bruna, 12, has one blue eye and one brown eye, while her son Natan, 6, has one hazel and one brown eye. “The kids attract attention wherever they go and that’s natural for them, but I started to notice it became a bit awkward for my older daughter.” Bruna thinks it’s cool to be different from her friends, and says that some even say they’d like to be like her at school!
Raul, 18, also has heterochromia and says everyone asks if he’s wearing contact lenses! “Having different colored eyes also helped me win over girls. At the start of my teenage years, I used my green eye to talk to girls and it always worked!” He says he’s never experienced prejudice or heard any jokes about his “difference.” Does your child have eyes of different colors or do you know someone who does? Leave a comment!
