Heterochromiaalternative name: Heterochromia Iridis

Laura Turk

Symptoms

• The only symptoms associated with Heterochromia are a change in eye color.

• There are four main types of Heterochromia:• Sectoral: Only a section of the eye is a different

color• Complete: When both of your eyes are different

colors• Central: The center of one eye is different than

the outside• Acquired: When you get Heterochromia from an

injury or tumor

Who is most likely to get this disorder?

• In humans, Heterochromia is more frequent in females. Heterochromia is not more likely in a certain eye color. It is however, more likely in animals such as cats and dogs. In huskies, the disorder is more likely than in any other animal.

How common is it?

• Less than one percent of the population have this disorder. The percentage of animals hasn’t been determined, but animals are more likely to have it, so the percentage is larger.

• Less than 200,000 people in the united states have Heterochromia.

Deadly/Lifespan shortening?

• Heterochromia is not a fatal disorder, and people with Heterochromia live just as long of lives on average. It has no negative effects on a person other than the color of their eyes.

Tested

• Heterochromia does not have an actual test, considering that you can tell by looking at the person. Also, since the disease has no negative effects, there is no need for a specialized test.

Treatment?

• There is no known treatment for any type of this disorder. Even if you have the Acquired version, still no one knows how it can be reversed. When someone has Heterochromia, they have to deal with their symptom.

Support Groups?

• Support groups for this do exist, on websites such as: http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Have-Heterochromia-Iridis/94481

• These are people who write about their disorder online and can share it with others.

Interesting Facts!

• In anatomy, Heterochromia means difference in coloration. This is usually of the irises but could also be of the hair or skin.

• Some believe that wearing 3D glasses can be an instant cure.

• Heterochromia is a lack or excess of melanin, which is pigment.

Graphics

Sectoral Heterochromia

Acquired Heterochromia

Complete Heterochromia

Central Heterochromia

What chromosome does it affect?

• This disorder is caused by a mutation in chromosomes 15 and 19.

• Usually involves translocation of genes EYCL3 and EYCL1.

How is it inherited?

• If one parent has Heterochromia, then they have a 50% chance of passing it on to their child.

• Can be inherited through Mosicism or through disease or injury.

• This trait is autosomal dominant.

Citations• Harley, Robison D. "Harley's Pediatric Ophthalmology." Google Books. Web. 27 Jan.

2011. <http://books.google.com/books?id=fAlrbE9zBIwC&pg=PA6&lpg=PA6&dq=what chromosome is affected in heterochromia&source=bl&ots=vynQYYsv09&sig=0ImBBX63T-PytLyFjJhGEHgSMVI&hl=en&ei=8_VATcHFHYTWgQe-xNHOAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&sqi=2&ved=0CB0Q6AEwAQ#>.

• "Heterochromia Facts." Freebase. Web. 27 Jan. 2011. <http://www.freebase.com/view/en/heterochromia>.

• "NewInfo2Day » Heterochromia! Beautiful Eyes!" NewInfo2Day. New, Random Information Every Day! Web. 27 Jan. 2011. <http://www.newinfo2day.com/nature/heterochromia-beautiful-eyes/>.