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What is Tunnel Vision? The Causes & How to Treat It

As you’re reading this right now, can you see objects to your left or right? Or is your vision constricted into a circular tunnel? If unable to see objects to the left or right, you may have tunnel vision, also known as peripheral vision loss. Those with tunnel vision cannot see peripherally. They have to turn their heads to look at them head-on. If you are wondering what tunnel vision is, we have created a list of its causes, treatment options, and conditions.

Keep reading to learn the causes and the treatment options available to you.

What is Tunnel Vision?

Tunnel vision is a condition where a person loses their peripheral (side) vision while retaining central vision, making it seem as if they are looking through a narrow tube or tunnel. This can make daily activities like driving, walking in crowds, or even reading more difficult, as objects outside the direct line of sight become harder to detect.

What Does Tunnel Vision Look Like?

Tunnel vision alters how a person perceives their surroundings by restricting what they can see outside their central field of vision. While some experience a gradual darkening or blurring of their peripheral vision, others may have a sharp cutoff, similar to looking through a straw or a dark tunnel.

The severity of tunnel vision varies by individual. Some may retain a small degree of peripheral vision, while others experience a nearly complete loss of side vision. If you’re experiencing symptoms of tunnel vision, an eye exam and diagnostic tests can help determine the cause and potential treatment options.

What Causes Tunnel Vision?

Although the following conditions could lead to tunnel vision, the best way to determine the exact cause is to consult with your eye doctor.

1. Cataracts

Cataracts form as part of our aging process and simply put is the clouding of the natural lens in the eye. A nuclear cataract can damage the edges of the lens, leading to tunnel vision. Symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, double vision, light sensitivity, a yellowish tint to objects, and difficulty seeing at night.

2. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the buildup of pressure and fluid in the eye's drainage canal. With this pressure, the optic nerve can be damaged. A damaged optic nerve can create blind spots and lead to tunnel vision. In addition, other symptoms include blurred vision, light halos, eye pain, and nausea.

3. Retinal Detachment

The retina sends images through the optic nerve to the brain where they are interpreted. If the retina tears or detaches from the back of the eye, it can lead to blurred vision, tunnel vision, or blindness. Floaters in vision can restrict peripheral vision, which you can experience as tunnel vision.

4. Choroideremia

This rare genetic disorder mainly affects men and leads to vision loss over time. The symptoms start with difficulty seeing at night, followed by blind spots that affect peripheral vision, experienced as tunnel vision. Over time, the field of vision continues to shrink and can result in blindness.

5. Brain Injuries

Both concussions and strokes can be causes of tunnel vision. During a brain injury like a stroke or concussion, blood flow to the brain is disrupted. The brain does not have enough oxygen, and dizziness and peripheral vision loss can occur.

6. Hallucinogenic Drugs

Drugs that contain hallucinogens such as LSD, ecstasy, magic mushrooms, and more can alter perception. While this does wear off, the effects can lead to temporary or permanent peripheral vision loss.

Treating Tunnel Vision

Losing peripheral vision can affect your quality of life. It makes everyday tasks incredibly difficult. Luckily, depending on the cause of your tunnel vision, there are treatment options available.

Treatment Options for Cataracts

If your eye doctor has determined cataract is the cause of your tunnel vision, surgery could be your best option. During cataract surgeries, your natural lens, which has become cloudy, is replaced with an intraocular lens.

Traditional Cataract Surgery is performed by an expert ophthalmologist. This technique is safe, efficient, and does not require stitches.
Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery is performed using a highly-accurate laser to create a precise incision. This can also reduce the effects of astigmatism.
Bladeless Laser Refractive Cataract Surgery has revolutionized cataract surgery through the use of femtosecond lasers. Each individual’s eye characteristics are taken into account, allowing for even more precise results.

Treating Glaucoma

Following a glaucoma diagnosis, your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops to reduce the pressure. Depending on the severity of glaucoma, laser or traditional eye surgery may be required to drain the fluid build-up.

Reattaching the Retinal Tear

The majority of patients with retinal detachment need surgery to reattach the retina to the wall of the eye. The goal of retinal detachment surgery is to hold the wall of the eye and the retina together until the scarring can heal the tear.

Pneumatic Retinopexy does this by injecting a gas bubble into the space between the wall of the eye and the retina.
Vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel and replaces it with a gas bubble.
Scleral Buckling inserts a flexible band called a scleral buckle around the eye to hold the retina in place.

Tunnel Vision Care From the Eye Specialists

Having tunnel vision is frustrating and difficult. Not to mention, it can upend your daily life. Our team of eye doctors and ophthalmologists offer eye care solutions to help you preserve and improve your vision. Our doctors provide innovative eye care treatments such as LASIK eye surgery, retinal detachment treatments, cataract surgery, astigmatism treatments, and refractive lens exchange surgery. The eye doctors and ophthalmologists at Specialty Eye Institute are here to diagnose the cause of your tunnel vision. In addition, we will create a treatment plan that meets your requirements. Your vision health is our top priority. Schedule your exam with an eye expert. Schedule Appointment online or by calling (877) 852-8463.

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Dilated Pupils: What Is It, Causes, & Treatments

Dilated pupils (also known as mydriasis) are a natural and common reaction to many situations and will usually go away on their own. However, when they’re sudden, are seemingly triggered for no reason, or don’t go away on their own, there can be an underlying cause for them that could require medical attention.

Let’s discuss what dilated pupils are, what they can be caused by when you should worry about them, and what treatment options are available.

What Are Dilated Pupils?

Pupils are the part of your eye that lets light into your eyes to help you see clearly. They’re controlled by the muscles in your iris, which is the colored part of your eye. The normal pupil size for an adult varies from 2 mm to 8 mm, depending on the amount of light exposure.

Dilated pupils occur when your pupils widen. There are natural causes that can cause this, but the effects will always be temporary. If your dilated pupils linger, you should get your eyes checked to find out the underlying reason.

Natural Responses Leading to Dilated Pupils

Pupils are constantly changing in size in response to the amount of light they’re taking in.

They normally dilate in low-light conditions to let more light into the eye. They will also constrict in conditions with higher levels of light to minimize the amount of light that enters the eye.

Comparison of blue eye with dilated pupils vs. constricted pupils.

Causes of Dilated Pupils

There are also unnatural causes that could cause your pupils to dilate. In these cases, consulting with a professional is recommended.

Medications and Drugs

A variety of medications cause dilated pupils by interfering with the muscle function in the iris that controls the pupil’s size.

Some of these medications include:

Antihistamines, like Benadryl
Muscle relaxants, like Lioresal
Decongestants, like Sudafed
Parkinson’s medications, like Symmetrel
Antidepressants, like Norpramin
Illicit drugs like LSD or cocaine

When checked by a healthcare professional, they can determine if the cause of your dilated pupils is a medication you’re taking.

Eye Injuries

Trauma to the brain or eye can cause dilated pupils. Typically, blunt closed trauma damages the iris sphincter muscle, or one of the pathways in the brain that controls it. These injuries can also cause bleeding inside the skull, which can make your pupils enlarge.

Eye injuries can also be caused by:

Retinal procedures, like retinal detachment surgery, diabetic retinopathy surgery, and macular hole surgery
Intraocular surgery, like cataract removal or a corneal transplant

Medical Conditions

Dilated pupils can also be caused by several medical conditions, such as:

Aneurysm in the brain
Brain tumor or abscess
Excess pressure in one eye caused by glaucoma
Acute stroke
Intracranial hemorrhage
Brain swelling
Infection of membranes around the brain
Increased intracranial pressure
Intracranial tumor
Migraine headache
Seizure
Tomor, moss, or lymph node in the upper chest or lymph node
Diabetic oculomotor nerve palsy
Horner syndrome
Benign episodic unilateral mydriasis
Adie’s pupil
Congenital aniridia

When to Worry About Dilated Pupils

If you have an unexplained change in pupil size and it’s not going away, reach out to your healthcare provider. This is particularly true if they started suddenly, are recent, or happened after an injury to your head or eye.

If you have these symptoms along with dilated pupils, get medical treatment immediately:

Eye sensitivity to light
Blurred vision
Double vision
Headache
Fever
Loss of vision
Eye pain
Nausea or vomiting
Stiff neck

Treatments for Dilated Pupils

In most cases, dilated pupils are a natural response that will go away on their own. However, if they continue to linger, a healthcare professional may recommend further treatment. The treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause of your dilated pupils.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses, particularly sunglasses with polarized lenses, can help alleviate discomfort and sensitivity to light caused by dilated pupils. They’ll reduce the amount of light entering your eyes, providing relief in environments where bright lights exacerbate your sensitivity to light.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation can be used as a treatment if the abuse of substances is the underlying cause of your dilated pupils.

Treatment programs for substance abuse typically involve:

Medication
Counseling
Therapy
Support groups

These programs are utilized to reduce your dependence on the substances that are causing your pupil dilation.

Contact Lenses

Prosthetic contact lenses are specialized lenses that are used to manage eye conditions that cause issues in the appearance of your eyes. For dilated pupils, they are used to cosmetically address pupil size unevenness or irregularities. These lenses are custom-made to match the appearance of your natural eyes and help improve the symmetry and aesthetics of your eyes when there are visible discrepancies in your pupils.

Surgery

Though uncommon, surgery can be used as a treatment for dilated pupils when the underlying cause requires surgical intervention.

These circumstances could include:

Eye Trauma: Severe eye injuries that affect the muscles controlling your pupils’ size and response may require surgical intervention to restore your normal pupil function.
Nerve Damage: Conditions like a third nerve palsy, where the nerve controlling the pupil’s movement is affected, may require surgical repair to address the underlying cause or to correct the muscle or nerve function.
Certain Eye Disorders: In rare cases, specific eye disorders that cause abnormal pupil dilatation could require surgical management or treatment to address the issue.

Act Now on Pupil Changes for Optimal Eye Health

If you have dilated pupils that have no explanation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our reliable team at Specialty Eye Institute. We offer comprehensive eye care that can find out the underlying cause, as well as the best way to treat them.

We are committed to offering exceptional service and treatment every time you come in. At Specialty Eye Institute, we pride ourselves on following our four core values:

Patient-Centered Advocate
Excellence
Integrity
Compassion

Call Us Today or schedule an appointment on our website.

What Is Considered Legally Blind?

You may have heard the term “legal blindness” and wondered what it really means to be legally blind. We’re here to help you understand this complex—and often misunderstood—term so you know what warning signs to be aware of in your own life.

Keep reading to learn about the technical definition of legal blindness along with its common causes, treatments, and prevention tips.

The Definition of Legal Blindness

Normal or “perfect” vision is 20/20 central visual acuity. Someone is legally blind if they:

Have 20/200 central visual acuity or worse in their better-seeing eye with the help of prescription glasses or contacts
Have a visual field of 20 degrees or less

If a person with 20/20 vision can see an object that’s 200 feet away from them, someone with 20/200 vision would only be able to see the same object from 20 feet away. If a person can see clearly while wearing prescription glasses or contacts, they’re not considered to be legally blind.

It’s important to note that there are different levels of blindness. For example, legal blindness doesn’t necessarily equate to total blindness, which is characterized by a complete lack of light and form perception. However, some people who are legally blind are also totally blind.

The vast majority of people who are legally blind do not fall within the threshold of total blindness.

The U.S. government uses this definition of legal blindness to determine eligibility for things like federal disability benefits, driving privileges, rehabilitative care, school and workplace accommodations, low vision devices, and tax exemption programs. Doctors use this definition to determine candidacy for various vision treatments, like medication and surgery.

3 Tests That Are Used to Diagnose Legal Blindness

Optometrists and ophthalmologists use these three methods to test for legal blindness in patients.

Snellen Eye Chart

Even if you’ve never been to the eye doctor, you could probably recognize a Snellen eye chart. It features a series of black capital letters that decrease in size as you move down the chart. As a result, the letters at the bottom are the most difficult to read. Someone who is legally blind can only read the top letter on the chart.

Your doctor will have you cover one eye at a time and read the lowest row of letters so that you can measure your visual acuity in each eye. This test helps your doctor determine if you need prescription glasses or contacts or if you need a new prescription for the glasses or contacts you already wear.

Confrontational Visual Field Test

A confrontational visual field test is another way that eye doctors measure visual acuity. As the doctor sits in front of you, he or she will hold up a series of fingers in various positions to test all four quadrants in your visual field—particularly your peripheral vision. You will cover one eye at a time and recite the number of fingers you see. If you struggle to detect the number of fingers being shown, you may be legally blind.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam uses a series of tests to measure your visual acuity and detect common eye diseases and conditions that could lead to legal blindness. If you have one of those vision conditions, you face a greater risk of losing your vision and becoming legally blind—if the condition goes unchecked.

Common Vision Conditions That Are Linked to Legal Blindness

The common vision conditions described below can cause legal blindness if left untreated.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss in adults over the age of 60. It occurs when the macula—the central part of the retina—deteriorates. The retina is the light-sensing nerve tissue at the back of the eye. Although age-related macular degeneration doesn’t typically cause total blindness, it’s still a possibility. At the very least, it can cause visual impairments that inhibit daily tasks.

Cataracts

A cataract is distinguished by a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which blurs vision. Cataracts make it more difficult to complete daily tasks, like reading, driving, and watching TV. The more a cataract progresses, the more likely it is to cause vision loss, which could lead to blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a vision condition that can affect people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It damages the blood vessels at the back of the retina, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left unchecked.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma constitutes a group of vision conditions that damage the optic nerve, which transfers images from the eye to the brain. Similarly to age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in people over age 60.

How Legal Blindness Is Treated

The particular vision condition that caused you to become legally blind will help your doctor determine the proper treatment plan. Common treatments for legal blindness include prescription glasses or contacts, medication, a corneal transplant, cataract or retinal surgery, and visual rehabilitation—like low vision therapy and low vision devices.

These treatments are designed to enhance one’s vision to improve their daily function and overall quality of life. Keep in mind, though, that not all cases of legal blindness can be treated.

How to Prevent Legal Blindness

Prevention is always preferred over treatment. Here are five practical ways that you can prevent legal blindness.

Schedule routine eye exams with dilation: These comprehensive exams enable doctors to detect, diagnose, and treat vision conditions that could cause legal blindness.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat nutrient-rich foods, exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight, and get plenty of sleep each night.
Know your family history: Some eye conditions that cause legal blindness are hereditary. Knowing your family’s history of these conditions can help you protect your vision.
Wear eye protection when necessary: Whether you’re mowing the lawn or participating in a contact sporting event, you should wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from common hazards.
Don’t smoke: If you’ve never smoked, don’t start. If you currently smoke, quit.

Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam at Specialty Eye Institute

The best thing you can do for your vision is schedule routine eye exams. During a comprehensive eye exam at Specialty Eye Institute, the doctor will check your eyes for signs of common vision conditions that can cause legal blindness. This exam also helps the doctor determine your need for prescription glasses or contacts.

Schedule your appointment today to get started.

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Implantable Contact Lenses: Everything You Should Know

LASIK has become an extremely popular vision corrective surgery for those who want to drastically improve their vision. This is for good reason, too. However, there are other alternatives that are just as effective and can be a better option if you’re not eligible for LASIK.

Let’s discuss what an implantable contact lens is, the different types, their benefits and disadvantages, the differences between ICL and LASIK, and the costs involved.

What Are Permanent Contact Lenses?

An implantable contact lens, or ICL, is a contact lens alternative used for correcting vision. However, unlike traditional contact lenses, they are positioned so that they remain in the eye for a much longer time. Implantable contact lenses are surgically placed inside the eyes, between the iris and the natural lens, giving you permanent contacts.

ICL is made from Collmar, which is a biocompatible material that’s a combination of collagen and polymer. Because of this, they don’t cause any side effects or discomfort.

Types of Implantable Contact Lenses

ICL Soft Lens

A soft lens is made from a polymeric material that bends easily, making it soft. The design is similar to the collagen found in your cornea, so there is less of a risk of an adverse reaction.

During a soft lens implantation procedure, your surgeon will cut a tiny incision in your cornea and place the ICL inside your eye, between your iris and lens. There are no stitches required.

Intraocular Lens

This type of ICL surgery is designed specifically for patients who can’t have LASIK surgery due to their severe nearsightedness. For this type of implant, your surgeon will place the lens between the cornea and iris so that your eyes can focus more clearly. Surgeons will then use tiny stitches to close the incision so that the lens stays in place.

The Procedure of Implanting Contact Lenses

An ICL surgery is a safe, effective, and fast procedure that permanently corrects your vision. This surgery involves placing a lens between a person’s iris and lens without damaging the corneal tissue. Your natural lens will stay intact.

The procedure only takes around 15 minutes and has a quick healing time. Many patients go back to normal activities the very next day after their surgery.

Benefits of Permanent Contact Lenses

There are a myriad of benefits that come with permanent contact lenses.

ICLs are a good choice for people who are not good candidates for LASIK or PRK
ICLs can help correct nearsightedness and astigmatism, with advances being made to address other vision conditions
ICLs can be used when people have irregular corneas, dry eyes, or vision prescriptions that exceed the acceptable range for LASIK or PRK
ICLs are maintenance-free since they’re implanted in the eye
There are no added expenses for contact lens cleaners, replacement lens costs, or storage containers
The procedure is both minimally invasive and fast
ICLs last a long time and allow people to see clearly for years
Compared to LASIK or PRK, ICLs generally result in high-definition vision
If you don’t like the results, the procedure is completely reversible

Potential Risks and Considerations

While the procedure is very safe, surgery always comes with some amount of risk.

For ICL surgery, they include:

Changes in Vision: Patients may have double vision, see halos, experience glare, or struggle to see clearly in low light.
Vision Loss: It’s possible that your vision could get worse following an ICL Surgery. Implanting lenses may not be successful or could damage your eyesight more.
Additional Surgery: If the first ICL surgery isn’t successful, there may be a need for another. If the lens moves out of place or is off-center, the surgeon will need to cut your eye again to replace or adjust the lens.
Results Aren’t Guaranteed: It’s not always the case that perfect 20/20 vision is achieved with the procedure. You may still be required to wear reading glasses after to achieve the vision you want.
Pressure: After your surgery, it may feel like there’s pressure in or behind your eyes. You can be prescribed medication to treat this symptom, but there’s always the possibility that too much pressure can damage your vision permanently.
Detached Retina: Eye surgery may cause retinal detachment. If that occurs, the tissue on the back of your eye that senses light is no longer connected to your eye.
Infection: If your eyes hurt after your procedure, it could be a sign of infection. Some amount of discomfort is common, but most patients have a fast recovery. If lingering pain, redness, swelling, or inflammation occurs, you should contact your doctor.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The average cost of this procedure can range from $1,200 to $5,000, depending on a variety of factors. Unfortunately, ICL is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, so it’s most likely that it will not be included in your insurance.

At Specialty Eye Institute, we are proud to offer Alphaeon financing. With it, you can begin your procedure immediately with a flexible financing plan to help you pay. You will be able to make low monthly payments that fit into your budget.

Recovery and Post-Procedure Care

Recovery from ICL surgery is fairly quick. Within the first day, 70% to 80% of patients have restored their vision and can even be cleared for driving. The vision continues to mature and sharpen gradually over time. Within three to four weeks, the results of the surgery should be fully achieved.

Despite the quick recovery, you should still take it easy for the first 24 hours. Your doctor will give you instructions regarding taking prescribed eye drops and using an eye shield when you shower.

You should avoid rubbing your eyes or putting cream or eye makeup on them for the first two weeks. Exercising and swimming should also be avoided for the first two weeks after surgery. For the first week after the procedure, it’s recommended to wear UV-protection sunglasses when out in the sun.

Comparing ICL with LASIK & Other Vision Correction Procedures

ICL surgery is similar to LASIK when it comes to the ultimate goal of enhancing your vision. However, they do have their differences. ICL surgery is generally a great option for most patients, particularly for those who are not eligible for LASIK. You can still have ICL surgery if you are too nearsighted for other procedures, or have dry eyes or thin corneas that make other procedures difficult.

LASIK, if you are eligible, is one of the most affordable corrective vision procedures. Because ICL is custom-created to match your eye, they can be pricier than LASIK, though financing options are available.

Patient Eligibility for Implantable Contact Lenses

You are eligible for ICL surgery if:

You are between the ages of 21 and 45
You have nearsighted vision with mild to severe myopia
You have not had a change in prescription of more than .5D in the past year
You are looking for a procedure that doesn’t create dry eye syndrome
You have enough endothelial cell density and adequate anterior chamber depth to perform the procedure safely

To you for certain if you’re eligible for ICL surgery and if it’s the best option for you, contact an experienced specialist to discuss.

FAQs About Permanent Contact Lenses

How Long Do Permanent Contact Lenses Last?

ICL should last you for the rest of your life unless you decide to remove them.

How Much Do Permanent Contact Lenses Cost?

The average cost of this procedure can range from $1,200 to $5,000, depending on a variety of factors.

Does Insurance Cover ICL Surgery?

Unfortunately, ICL is considered to be a cosmetic procedure, so it’s most likely that it will not be included in your insurance. However, Specialty Eye Institute has financing options available.

What is the Age Limit for ICL Surgery?

The age range for ICL surgery is 21-45 years old.

Is LASIK or ICL Better?

Both LASIK and ICL have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on which choice is the best for your specific situation.

Can Permanent Contact Lenses Be Removed?

Yes. ICL surgery is completely reversible.

Does ICL Surgery Give You 20/20 Vision?

While ICL surgery is designed to drastically improve your vision, there is no guarantee that you will be able to achieve 20/20 vision.

Embrace a Clearer Future With Implantable Contact Lenses From Specialty Eye Institute

If you’re interested in ICL surgery or any other procedures, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Specialty Eye Institute. Our reliable team of experts is committed to providing an experience that exceeds expectations, whether you’re with us for a comprehensive eye exam or a life-changing procedure.

At Specialty Eye Institute, we are dedicated to delivering the highest level of attention to your eye health. Our core values encompass:

Patient-Centered Advocate
Integrity
Excellence
Compassion

If you’re in need of excellent eye care, don’t hesitate to call us at (866) 435-8935 or schedule an appointment on our website.

What Is Heterochromia? Everything You Need to Know

The term heterochromia can sound a little intimidating to those who’ve never heard it before or don’t know what it is. But, thankfully, the word is a lot scarier than the condition it represents. There’s a lot to know about heterochromia, so let’s unpack what exactly it is, the different types it can take the form of, what the causes are, the steps to take to diagnose it, and how to get treatment, if necessary.

What is Heterochromia?

Heterochromia is a rare and unique condition where a person’s eyes are two different colors. This can occur in one eye or affect parts of both eyes. Even dogs—like Huskies and Border Collies—can be seen with distinctively different colored eyes. The reason for this phenomenon is a rare condition that affects the iris and the melatonin that gives it its color. Heterochromia can be present at birth or develop later in life due to certain medical conditions or injuries.

Different Types of Heterochromia Eyes

There are three types of heterochromia: complete, central, and sectoral. It’s fairly easy to tell the difference between the three types, as each of them has their own unique physical appearance.

Complete Heterochromia Eyes

Complete heterochromia is the rarest type of the condition. It occurs when each eye is a fully different color than the other. For example, if one eye is completely green and the other is dark brown, this would be considered complete heterochromia.

Central Heterochromia Eyes

Central heterochromia occurs when the multi-coloration starts within the eye. There will be a different color near the pupil, but as it moves toward the edge of the iris, it shifts to a different color. With central heterochromia, both eyes are typically affected in a similar manner. For example, the color around the pupil could be brown and gradually switch to green around the edges. This type can be commonly confused with hazel eyes. However, the difference is that central heterochromia has two distinct colors in two specific areas, while hazel is a mixture of multiple colors throughout the iris.

Sectoral Heterochromia Eyes

Sectoral heterochromia, which can also be referred to as partial heterochromia, is the most varied of the types. It takes place when an eye has a secondary color that forms a “slice” or “wedge.” It can occur in one or both eyes and doesn’t necessarily manifest in both the same way. For example, one blue iris could have a thin slice of brown, while the other could have the brown take over a majority of the iris.

What Causes Heterochromia?

The causes of heterochromia typically depend on whether the condition is congenital, or if it’s acquired. Both exhibit in the same way, but at different times in a person’s life. The causes behind them can vary pretty drastically.

Congenital Heterochromia

Congenital heterochromia is when the condition is present at birth, or shortly after. If it’s congenital, it is generally considered to be harmless and just caused by a genetic mutation. In these cases, the babies will be given an eye examination to rule out any underlying causes. While uncommon, it is possible that congenital heterochromia could be caused by other issues. The following examples are conditions that could manifest with heterochromia as an indication:

Horner’s syndrome: a rare condition that affects the eye and face due to disruption of sympathetic nerve supply.
Waardenburg syndrome: a group of genetic conditions that can cause changes in coloring in skin, hair, and eyes.
Sturge-Weber syndrome: a neurological disorder that typically manifests in a port-wine birthmark, a brain abnormality, and excessive pressure in the eyes.
Piebaldism: a condition that is characterized by a lack of melanocytes (which create melatonin) in specific areas of a person’s hair and skin.
Bourneville disease (tuberous sclerosis): a hereditary disorder that can cause seizures, behavioral and developmental slowness, and a variety of diseases in the kidneys and lungs.
Hirschsprung disease: a birth defect in which nerve cells are missing from the infant’s large intestine.
Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome: an X chromosome-linked syndrome that manifests in abnormalities in a person’s skin, hair, eyes, teeth, and central nervous system.

Acquired Heterochromia

Acquired heterochromia is when the condition becomes present later in life, which is less common and more concerning. It can happen over time or rapidly due to the following factors:

Eye injury: any incident that can cause bruises, punctures, or scratches.
Eye surgery: typically due to intraocular surgery, like pars plana vitrectomy or cataract surgery.
Uveitis: inflammation inside the eye, generally due to a person’s body fighting an infection.
Glaucoma: a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve in the back of the eye, which can cause vision loss or blindness.
Glaucoma medication: an effect of the medication that can cause a person’s natural iris color to darken over time.
Diabetes: a chronic condition that affects how a person’s body transforms food into energy.
Eye tumors (benign or cancerous): a collection of abnormally growing cells in a person’s eye.
Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO): a condition that occurs when a person’s main vein flowing from their retina is blocked by a blood clot.

Heterochromia Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment for heterochromia varies depending on a couple of factors surrounding the condition. The condition itself is not harmful and does not need to be treated. The only changes to the body are aesthetic. If the condition is simply a genetic mutation, the symptoms can be covered by colored eye contacts if the iris color variations are undesired.

This is usually the case for congenital heterochromia. If the condition presents itself in infants, there is not generally a need or concern for treatment. As mentioned before, the baby would need to visit an eye specialist for an official diagnosis and to make sure there are no underlying causes that could be more serious. If one is found, it will be the underlying condition that will need to be treated.

As for acquired heterochromia that occurs later in life, a comprehensive eye exam will be necessary to find out what is causing the change in iris color. This underlying disease or condition will need to be pinpointed and treated. In these cases, heterochromia is not the cause of these conditions. Heterochromia can be a symptom that will alert a person to seek help for what could potentially be a more serious issue.

Comprehensive Eye Care From Specialty Eye Institute

From comprehensive, routine exams to cataract eye surgery and everything in between, Specialty Eye Institute’s physicians are here to take care of you. For over 40 years, we’ve been trusted as an innovative expert in the industry. We have accomplished this by always putting our patients first. We have a commitment to technology and research that allows us to be on the cutting edge of treatments.

Are you in need of comprehensive eye care? Whether you need a routine eye exam or treatment for a condition, take the leap to better vision and a clearer future by setting up an appointment at Specialty Eye Institute.