EYE DISEASE

Answer: Heterochromia {also known as heterochromia iridis} is a condition of eye in which color of one iris is different from other {complete heterochromia}, or where part of one iris has a different color from the remainder {partial heterochromia or sectoral heterochromia}. The color of the irises is determined primarily by the concentration and distribution of melanin pigment within the iris tissues.{1} It is a result of the relative excess or lack of pigment within an iris or part of an iris, which may be genetically inherited or due to mosaicism, or acquired by disease or injury.{2} The affected eye may be hyperpigmented {hyperchromic} or hypopigmented {hypochromic}.{3} Partial or sectoral heterochromia is much less common than complete heterochromia and is typically found in autosomally inherited disorders such as Hirschsprung`s disease and Waardenburg syndrome. Congenital heterochromia is inherited as an autosomal dominant. Abnormal darker iris is seen in Lisch nodules, Ocular melanosis, Pigment dispersion syndrome , Sturge-Weber syndrome. Abnormal lighter iris is seen in Fuchs` heterochromic iridocyclitis, Acquired Horner`s syndrome, neoplasm. Acquired Heterochromia is acquired usually due to injury, inflammation, the use of certain eyedrops, or tumors. {4} We are reporting a 9 month old boy who was having simple heterochromia.

References
1. Wielgus AR, Sarna T. Melanin in human irides of different color and age of donors. Pigment Cell Res. 2005` 18: 454-464
2. Imesch PD, Wallow IH, Albert DM. The color of the human eye: a review of morphologic correlates and of some conditions that affect iridial pigmentation. Surv Ophthalmol. 1997` 41 Suppl 2: S117-123
3. Loewenstein J, Scott L. Ophthalmology: Just the Facts. New York: McGraw-Hill. 2004.
4. Van Emelen C, Goethals M, Dralands L, Casteels I. Treatment of glaucoma in children with Sturge-Weber syndrome. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2000` 37: 29-34

E-published: March 2010. Vol 7 Issue 3 Art No. 19