Also described as: cat-eye pattern (informal)
One eye shows a distinct inner ring of colour around the pupil that differs from the rest of the iris — commonly a golden, amber or green ring within a browner or greyer outer iris.
inner ring
Illustrative inner-ring tone.
outer iris
Illustrative outer-iris tone — central heterochromia is defined by the contrast between the two, not either tone alone.
The inner ring is frequently warmer (gold/amber) than the outer iris, though the reverse also occurs.
How sharply defined the ring is, and how large it appears relative to the whole iris.
The contrast between ring and outer iris can look more or less pronounced depending on light and pupil size.
Close-up, well-lit photography shows the ring most clearly; casual photos often miss it entirely.
Heterochromia is considered uncommon overall, but exactly how uncommon depends heavily on which patterns (complete, central, sectoral) a given study counts.
Reported prevalence for heterochromia depends heavily on study definition — whether subtle central/sectoral cases are counted alongside complete heterochromia substantially changes the figure. No single percentage is stated here for this reason.
Styling ideas below are optional and editorial — never rules, and never a claim that one colour choice is objectively correct for anyone.
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Confidence: low. Geographic scope: Reported worldwide; no dedicated separate prevalence study distinct from heterochromia generally was identified for this content.