The difference in color between your left and right eye could be due to a condition called heterochromia.
What is Heterochromia?
Heterochromia is a condition affecting the iris, the colored part of your eye surrounding the pupil. According to the reference, it can manifest in a few ways:
- Two different colored eyes: One eye appears distinctly different in color than the other.
- One eye appearing darker than the other: This is the scenario described in your question.
- Part of the iris appearing different: A portion of the iris has a different color than the rest of that same iris.
Possible Causes & Considerations
While heterochromia might be the cause, it's important to remember that subtle variations in eye color shade are common and not always indicative of a medical condition. Other potential factors could include:
- Genetics: Minor differences in pigmentation are often simply inherited traits.
- Lighting: Variations in lighting can significantly impact how we perceive color. The angle and intensity of light can make one eye appear darker in certain situations.
- Photography: The camera angle and lighting can affect perceived eye color in photos.
- Medical Conditions: In rare cases, other medical conditions affecting the eye can also contribute to changes in iris pigmentation.
When to See a Doctor
While often benign, it's recommended to consult an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist) if:
- You notice a sudden change in eye color.
- The color difference is accompanied by other symptoms, such as blurred vision, eye pain, or redness.
- You are concerned about the color difference.
A doctor can properly assess the situation and determine the underlying cause of the color difference.
