NATIONAL DIFFERENT COLORED EYES DAY | JULY 12
On July 12th, National Different Colored Eyes Day recognizes those who have two different colored eyes. Many people captivate us with their eye color; others do so because they have two different colored eyes. This day celebrates them in all their uniqueness!
#DifferentColoredEyesDay
Having two different colored eyes is a condition called heterochromia. Three types of heterochromia exist:
- Complete heterochromia – one iris is a different color from the other.
- Partial heterochromia or sectoral heterochromia – part of one iris is a different color from the rest of the iris.
- Central heterochromia – an inner ring is a different color than the rest of the iris.
The concentration and distribution of melanin determine the eye color, specifically the color of the irises. The affected eye may be hyperpigmented (hyperchromic) or hypopigmented (hypochromic). Additionally, the excess of melanin indicates hyperplasia of the iris tissues, whereas a lack of melanin indicates hypoplasia.
Most cases of heterochromia are hereditary, caused by a disease or syndrome, or due to an injury. However, just one eye may change color following certain diseases or injuries.
Two syndromes that may cause different colored eyes are mosaicism and chimerism. Mosaicism involves two or more populations of cells within a single individual. Chimaerism occurs when two or more fertilized eggs merge, producing a single individual.
Other symptoms associated with heterochromia include patches of lighter skin or deafness. Infants who develop different colored eyes after birth should be evaluated by their pediatrician to be sure no additional care is necessary. When eye color changes occur due to injury or are sudden, seek a doctor’s care. Sometimes the condition can be severe.
A few celebrities are known to have two different colored eyes include David Bowie, Christopher Walken, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Seymour, and Mila Kunis.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DIFFERENT COLORED EYES DAY
While celebrating this day may be more obvious for some than others, that doesn’t mean everyone can’t participate. The eyes are the windows to the soul. Do you know anyone with differing eye colors? Those who have two different eye colors, share your fascinating eyes. Post on social media using #DifferentColoredEyesDay.
NATIONAL DIFFERENT COLORED EYES DAY HISTORY
Jeanne Quinn of B Able, Inc. founded National Different Colored Eyes Day to raise awareness and to celebrate the unique qualities of those with different colored eyes. Depending on the degree of heterochromia, many may go through life with little to no effect. Still, others may have complications from a confusing condition that has impacted them all their life. Perhaps they never had any answers, but their eye colors always held the clue.
