How Rare is it to Have Two Different Colored Eyes?

Two Different Colored Eyes: Fact or Mystery?

As unbelievable as it sounds, it is scientifically possible to have two different colored eyes. Science has a name for this condition, “Heterochromia”.

Heterochromia is a rare occurrence that affects a minuscule percentage of the human population. Though the exact indication in humans is still a gray area, scientists believe it occurs in about 6 in every 1000 individuals. A very minimal ratio by all ramifications!

The Two Types of Heterochromia

• Complete Heterochromia

Complete Heterochromia occurs when each eye has a different color. One eye may be colored brown and the other blue.

• Partial Heterochromia

Partial Heterochromia as the name implies occurs when only a portion of the iris has a different pigment from the rest of the eyes.

What Causes Heterochromia?

Heterochromia has genetic and acquired roots. It can also stem from medical conditions or injury.

• Genetically-influenced Heterochromia

Genetically-related Heterochromia is hereditary and can be passed down from parents to offspring or from descendants to successors. It is primarily caused by a genetic mutation that impacts melanin production in the iris. Melanin is a pigment that gives the eyes its characteristic color.

Melanin production varies from individual to individual, and this is why there are several eye colors affiliated with the human race. If your heterochromia is genetically influenced, it means you may have one eye that produces more melanin than the other, hence the contrast.

• Acquired Heterochromia

As the name suggests, acquired heterochromia stems from several factors including disease, injury, and specific medications. Trauma to the eye can inhibit melanin production in the damaged iris, which may modify the eye color of the affected eye. Medical conditions like Horner’s syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome can also lead to heterochromia.

• Medication and Disease Associated  Heterochromia

Certain medications like those used to treat eye conditions (such as glaucoma) can also disrupt melanin production in the iris, leading to complete or partial heterochromia.

Heterochromia can also signal the presence of an underlying medical condition. Sturge-Weber syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome are two examples of medical conditions that are characterized by heterochromia, hearing loss, and skin color changes amongst other symptoms. Thus, it is crucial to schedule routine eye checkups if you have heterochromia.

It is even more important to have checkups if your condition isn’t linked to genetics. With comprehensive medical examinations, you can rule out or detect an underlying medical condition and get treated before it becomes exacerbated.

What if you Fancy Two Colored Eyes?

Having two different colored eyes is sometimes appealing and impressive. Word on the street is, mismatched eye color may be the next biggest trend. However, few of us are genetically blessed to have this attractive trait, considering the sparse occurrence. And deliberately inducing injury or trauma to impair melanin production is out of the question. In fact, it is ill-advised.

However, you can have your cake and eat it with Kilala colored eye contacts. Our colored contact lenses are engineered with state-of-the-art technology and are safe and effective for use. You can get your wish at Kilala in the blink of an eye!