Heterochromia iridum
In anatomy,
heterochromia is a difference in coloration, usually of the iris but also of hair or skin. Heterochromia is a result of the relative excess or lack of melanin. It may be inherited, or caused by genetic mosaicism, chimerism, disease, or injury. Heterochromia of the eye is of two kinds. In
complete heterochromia, one iris is a different color from the other. In
partial heterochromia or
sectoral heterochromia, part of one iris is a different color from its remainder. Eye color, specifically the color of the irises, is determined primarily by the concentration and distribution of melanin. The affected eye may be hyperpigmented or hypopigmented. In humans, usually, an excess of melanin indicates hyperplasia of the iris tissues, whereas a lack of melanin indicates hypoplasia.