Is it possible to have multi colored eyes

It can occur in one or both eyes. A condition called anisocoria can easily be confused with heterochromia, which was often the case with David Bowie. Anisocoria gives the appearance of two different eye colors, but the variation only relates to pupil size — which can cause one eye to look darker than the other — not the actual eye color.

A: Not usually, but it depends on the cause. Congenital heterochromia is harmless and does not reflect an underlying illness. However, acquired heterochromia may be caused by certain glaucoma eye drops, eye injury or disease, and it can reveal a problem.

If you notice a rapid change in your eye color, see an eye doctor. A: Heterochromia is more common in females than in males based on a study performed several decades ago in Austria. A: An eye with central heterochromia has one distinct color around the pupil and a different color around the outer edge of the iris. Hazel eyes are a mixture of different colors throughout the entire surface of the iris. For example, central heterochromia looks more like a target with multiple rings of color and hazel looks more like confetti.

Read more of our Heterochromia FAQs. Anisocoria: Variation and clinical observation with different conditions of illumination and accommodation. That is, one eye may be green and their other eye brown, blue, or another color. This type of heterochromia is similar to central heterochromia.

But instead of affecting the area around the pupil, segmental heterochromia affects a larger portion of the iris. It can occur in one or both eyes. To understand possible causes of central heterochromia, and heterochromia in general, you need to look at the relationship between melanin and eye color.

Melanin is a pigment that gives human skin and hair their color. A person with fair skin has less melanin than a person with dark skin. Melanin also determines eye color. People with less pigment in their eyes have a lighter eye color than someone with more pigment. If you have heterochromia, the amount of melanin in your eyes varies. This variation causes different colors in different parts of your eye. The exact cause of this variation is unknown.

Central heterochromia often occurs sporadically at birth. It can appear in someone with no family history of heterochromia. Some people develop heterochromia later in life, however. This is known as acquired heterochromia, and it may occur from an underlying condition such as:. Any change in eye color that occurs later in life should be examined by a doctor or ophthalmologist, a specialist in eye health. However, it is important to rule out these conditions.

If you get heterochromia as an adult or it changes in appearance, see your ophthalmologist. He or she can perform a detailed eye exam to rule out any underlying causes and come up with a treatment plan if necessary. Treatment for heterochromia focuses on treating any underlying causes for the condition. If there are no other issues with the eyes, no treatment may be needed.

About Foundation Museum of the Eye. By David Turbert. But what causes heterochromia and should people with the condition be concerned? Heterochromia Causes There are many types and causes of heterochromia. Related Ask an Ophthalmologist Answers How long will the gas bubble stay in my eye after retinal detachment treatment? Is it alright for young kids to wear fashion glasses without prescription lenses?