Enzo the Ocular Oddity: The Story of Different Coloured Eyes
In 2011, oue expert Laser Eye Surgeon, Mr Glenn Carp, and his wife Deidre, welcomed a new addition to their family – a Boston terrier named Enzo (after Enzo Ferrari, no less). But while Glen might have hoped Enzo would be born with the speed trait associated with his namesake, he was also blessed with another peculiarity: Enzo had two different coloured eyes.
Heterochromia: A Variation in Coloration
Enzo was born with two distinctly coloured eyes: One brown and one pale blue. The correct medical term for this condition is heterochromia, which, in this case, refers to a difference in coloration in the irises; however, heterochromia can also affect the hair or skin. In Enzo’s case, his interesting appearance is down to a recessive gene that causes a lack of melanin pigment in one eye.
This causes the affected eye to remain lighter (often blue) while the other eye becomes darker (many babies are born with blue or light eyes).
There are three types of heterochromia:
- Complete heterochromia: Two different coloured eyes
- Sectoral heterochromia: Part of an iris is a different colour
- Central heterochromia: a ring of a different colour around the pupil
But as Mr Carp discovered after having Enzo undergo an thorough ocular examination, this genetic oddity didn’t affect Enzo’s vision at all. And with that, he was off home with our surgeon to become a member of the family.
“He is the best looking dog in the world! He is special, in a nice way”, said his proud “Dad”.
Of course, while he might be perfect in the eyes of his owner, his ocular abnormality would mean that Enzo would never be considered ‘Best in Show’ by the Kennel Club or other members of the dog breeding elite.
“This didn’t matter at all to us – we never wanted a show dog”, said Glenn. “It would be normal if Enzo had two brown eyes but this defect does not in any way affect his vision which is fine. Strangely it is more common in black and white dogs – like Enzo”, he added.
In the Animal and Human World
Heterochromia can affect many members of the animal kingdom. The genetic variation is commonly seen in cats and dogs, but it can also affect horses and even big cats like tigers. And we humans are not immune to the condition, either.
Famous people with heterochromia include Alexander the Great and the Irish dancer Michael Flatley. Some people also think that legendary rock star, David Bowie had heterochromia, but the variation in his eyes was actually the result of a permanently dilated pupil (the aftermath of a fight as a school boy!).
In humans and animals with heterochromia, the variation in colour often becomes more clear in bright light, when the pupils dilate and the irises appear larger. On the flip side, it is less noticeable at night when less of the iris colour is visible.
While many people and animals with heterochromia don’t experience any vision problems, Mr Carp recommends that those affected have a thorough examination to ensure there are no underlying or secondary reasons for the condition – especially if it develops after infancy.
“There are a host of different medical issues that can affect our eyes and it is certainly sensible to get your eyes checked.
“Some people might feel self conscious and chose to wear coloured contact lenses to disguise the condition. Coloured lenses can produce unhealthy side effects and should only be used under the advice of an experienced optometrist”, he said.
If you have any questions about your eye health or vision, or would like to learn more about our treatments, get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators or Book a Consultation today!
