Key Takeaways
- Heterochromia affects less than 1% of the global human population
- Complete heterochromia is estimated at 6 in 1,000 people in some populations
- Sectoral heterochromia occurs in about 0.005% of individuals
- Heterochromia linked to OCA2 gene mutations
- PAX6 gene variants cause 10% of familial cases
- Waardenburg syndrome type 2 involves PAX3, 30% heterochromia
- Complete type divided into congenital 90%, acquired 10%
- Sectoral heterochromia affects one segment <50% iris
- Central heterochromia ring around pupil differs
- Heterochromia associated with Waardenburg syndrome in 28% cases
- Sturge-Weber syndrome has 30-50% ipsilateral heterochromia
- Horner syndrome causes acquired heterochromia in 15%
- David Bowie had anisocoria mimicking heterochromia
- Mila Kunis has chronic iritis causing heterochromia
- Kate Bosworth sectoral green-blue eyes
Heterochromia is a rare condition affecting less than one percent of people globally.
Associated Conditions
Associated Conditions Interpretation
Cultural and Famous Cases
Cultural and Famous Cases Interpretation
Genetics
Genetics Interpretation
Prevalence
Prevalence Interpretation
Types
Types Interpretation
How We Rate Confidence
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
Margot Villeneuve. (2026, February 13). Heterochromia Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/heterochromia-statistics
Margot Villeneuve. "Heterochromia Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/heterochromia-statistics.
Margot Villeneuve. 2026. "Heterochromia Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/heterochromia-statistics.
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