Heterochromia is a genetic or acquired eye condition that affects iris. The baby with this condition ends up having two eye colors i.e. having eyes with different colors.
In complete heterochromia, each iris has a different color. Mostly, one is blue and the other brown.
Sectoral (partial) heterochromia is where only a portion of iris has a different color.
Central heterochromia is when the inner ring has a different color from the outer ring.
Genetic heterochromia is an autosomal dominant condition. The child has about 50% chance of inheriting the condition and a 50% chance of passing it to their offspring.
The causes of acquired heterochromia include glaucoma, inflammation, Waardenburg syndrome, neurofibromatosis, injury, and illnesses. Most of the cases are benign and congenital.
There is no treatment for heterochromia if it is genetic. But if it is due to an underlying condition (acquired), that condition needs to be treated.
Some cases of acquired heterochromia may even shorten the lifespan.