Eyes with different colored irises

Causes of Heterochromia

Heterochromia can be present from birth (congenital) or acquired later in life. Common causes include:

• Genetic inheritance: Often passed down through family genes.
• Eye injury: Trauma to the eye can cause changes in iris color.
• Medical conditions: Diseases such as Horner’s syndrome or Waardenburg syndrome may lead to heterochromia.
• Medications: Certain drugs used to treat glaucoma can affect iris pigmentation.
• Surgery: Some eye surgeries may also result in a color change in one iris.

Identifying the underlying cause is crucial in ensuring proper treatment if necessary.

Types of Heterochromia

There are three main types of heterochromia:

1. Complete Heterochromia: Each iris is a completely different color. For example, one eye may be blue while the other is brown.
2. Sectoral Heterochromia (Partial): A section of one iris has a different color than the rest. This can look like a pie-shaped wedge or a stripe in the iris.
3. Central Heterochromia: The outer ring of the iris is one color, while the inner ring near the pupil is another. It often looks like the eyes have two-toned shades.

Symptoms of Heterochromia

Heterochromia itself often has no symptoms other than the visible difference in eye color. However, if it is caused by an underlying condition, other symptoms might include:

• Changes in vision
• Eye discomfort or pain
• Light sensitivity
• Redness or inflammation

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with an ophthalmologist like Dr. Suraj Munjal.

Diagnosis of Heterochromia

Diagnosing heterochromia typically involves a comprehensive eye exam. During your consultation, Dr. Munjal may perform tests such as:

• Visual acuity test: To check your vision quality.
• Slit-lamp examination: To closely inspect the eye structures.
• Fundoscopy: To look at the back of the eye.
• Medical history review: To rule out any underlying health conditions.

Additional diagnostic tests may be recommended if heterochromia appears to have a sudden onset or is associated with other symptoms.

Treatment for Heterochromia

Most cases of heterochromia do not require treatment, especially if it is congenital and does not affect vision. However, if heterochromia is caused by an injury or an underlying medical condition, the following treatments may be suggested:

• Eye drops or medication: If glaucoma or another condition is diagnosed.
• Surgery: In rare cases where trauma or disease is responsible.
• Colored contact lenses: To cosmetically adjust the appearance of the eyes.

Dr. Suraj Munjal will recommend the best treatment based on the cause of your heterochromia and overall eye health.

Cost of Treatment and Stay in India

The cost of heterochromia treatment in India depends on the specific cause and required interventions. Common factors influencing cost include:

• Type of treatment (medication, surgery, or contact lenses)
• Duration of hospital stay (if surgery is required)
• Follow-up visits

On average, treatment for heterochromia in India can range from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000, depending on the complexity. Medical tourism packages are available for international patients seeking affordable yet high-quality eye care with Dr. Suraj Munjal.