National Different Colored Eyes Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Wednesday, July 12th. There are until the next observance.

On July 12, “National Different Colored Eyes Day,” the focus is on heterochromia iridum. It’s okay; we have no idea what it meant either. Heterochromia iridum refers to the color variation that results in a single organism having two distinct colored eyes. It has been seen in populations of many animals from the beginning of recorded history, and it is an intriguing and sought-after attribute. Only around 1% of the population has this unique coloring, and there are three varieties of heterochromia. Many people nowadays prefer dogs with this amusing eye color variation, and colored contact lenses are utilized to replicate the trait! All of this to say, show your heterochromia buddies some extra love today.

📆 When is National Different Colored Eyes Day?

This year, National Different Colored Eyes Day is on July 12th. It is the 2nd Wednesday in July; in 2024, it is on Friday.

Countdown to National Different Colored Eyes Day

Did you know: In other words, having different-colored eyes is usually never a sign of an eye condition and will nearly never impair your eyesight.

You can also discover all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about July 12, 2023.

📜 History of National Different Colored Eyes Day

Heterochromia iridum has historically been connected with myths and phobias, including irrational notions that persons who possess the feature are witches, malevolent, have the ability to see into the afterlife and beyond, or have relationships with ghosts and spirits. Because the eyes are the windows to the soul, ancient peoples who were unable to explain the anomaly quickly turned to eerie theories that depicted the characteristic as dehumanizing.

Of course, today’s society thinks it lovely! It’s not commonly known, though. Did you know that it may either be inherited or manifest at birth? It’s advised to visit a doctor, especially if it’s acquired, to make sure the disease is benign. While the majority of instances are just cosmetic and perfectly safe, some may be a sign of an eye injury or some other underlying condition. It’s safer to be safe than sorry!

Heterochromia iridum can come in three main forms: complete, segmental, and central. The most typical kind, central, has identical pupils surrounded by iris of various hues. Many people are unaware that this qualifies as heterochromia iridum. The most recognizable kind of heterochromia is full heterochromia, which has two irises with distinct hues. Segmental heterochromia manifests as a separate patch of color on just one iris.

Whether the characteristic is inherited or not, fewer than 0.5 percent of the population overall has it. Look through old family pictures to see whether there’s a chance it’s in your DNA! Remember that it may be quite challenging to tell the difference; most people don’t detect the disease in someone else, and it can be very easily confused.

☑️ National Different Colored Eyes Day facts

Stars – they have heterochromia just like us!
Heterochromia affects Dan Aykroyd, Mila Kunis, Henry Cavill, and others.

Man’s best friend
Siberian huskies, Australian shepherds, collies, corgis, and Chihuahuas are the dog breeds most likely to have heterochromia.

Born to be odd
Some animals, such as “odd-eyed cats,” are bred particularly for this genetic trait!

Things to do on National Different Colored Eyes Day

Learn more about heterochromia
Heterochromia iridis exists in a variety of forms and species. Spend a few minutes today researching it and learning more about what makes these lucky people so remarkable!

Post it up
If you’re one of the lucky few who can command the fascinating look of two differently colored eyes, post your best selfie with a hashtag on a social media network. While having two different-colored eyes is undeniably beautiful, acknowledging our differences can be difficult at times. Someone else with heterochromia may feel inspired or confident simply by looking at your selfie.

Shout out a friend or celebrity with heterochromia
If you have a unique acquaintance with two distinct hues of eyes, like or comment on their selfie to enhance it! If you don’t, go show your support for a celebrity who has the illness, such as Kate Bosworth, Jane Seymour, Dan Aykroyd, Henry Cavill, Mila Kunis, Josh Henderson, and others!

📅 National Different Colored Eyes Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 July 12 Wednesday
2024 July 12 Friday
2025 July 12 Saturday
2026 July 12 Sunday
2027 July 12 Monday

View all July holidays, including Health and other Obscure holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Different Colored Eyes Day. So be sure to check back soon.