Types of Heterochromia: Complete, Sectoral & Central
The key distinction is placement: between eyes, in one sector, or around the pupil.
Three patterns, one umbrella term
Heterochromia describes a difference in iris coloration. Complete heterochromia is a broad color difference between the two eyes. Sectoral heterochromia is a wedge or patch of another color within one iris. Central heterochromia is a contrasting ring immediately around the pupil. These labels describe visible distribution; they do not identify a cause.
Complete heterochromia: one eye versus the other
In complete heterochromia, most or all of one iris belongs to a different broad color family from the other—for example, one brown and one blue. Compare both eyes in the same neutral light. Unequal reflections, a dilated pupil, colored contacts or separate photos with different white balance can imitate a stronger difference than is present.
Sectoral and central: wedge versus ring
Sectoral heterochromia has a bounded slice that runs outward through part of the iris. Central heterochromia forms a full or near-full contrasting color zone around the pupil. The central ring is not the same thing as the collarette, which is a structural landmark, and it is not the same as hazel, which names a mixed brown-green-gold palette rather than one arrangement.
Born with it or acquired later
A color difference may be inherited or arise during eye development, and it can also appear after disease, inflammation, injury or certain medicines. The visible pattern alone cannot tell those possibilities apart. A stable lifelong feature and a recent change may look similar in a close-up but have very different histories.
When to arrange an eye exam
MedlinePlus advises professional assessment for a new color change in one eye and for two differently colored eyes noticed in an infant. Seek prompt care when a change comes with pain, redness, injury, light sensitivity or altered vision. Iris Analyzer can compare visible color zones in a photograph; it cannot diagnose heterochromia or rule out an eye condition.
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Analyze My Eye Color FreeFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between complete and sectoral heterochromia?
Complete heterochromia is a broad color difference between the two irises. Sectoral heterochromia is a differently colored wedge or patch inside one iris.
Is central heterochromia the same as hazel eyes?
No. Central heterochromia describes a contrasting ring around the pupil. Hazel describes a brown-green-gold color mixture that may be blended or distributed more widely.
Is heterochromia always present from birth?
No. It can be congenital or inherited, but it can also be acquired after an eye condition, inflammation, injury or medication. A new change deserves an eye exam.
Can a photo confirm that I have heterochromia?
A controlled photo can show a color pattern, but it cannot establish the cause or provide a diagnosis. Use it as a visual reference and ask an eye-care professional about a new or concerning difference.