Overview
Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) is a rare eye condition where the colored part of both eyes — called the iris — suddenly loses its pigment, or color. This happens in both eyes at the same time, which is what 'bilateral' means. The condition is also sometimes called bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT), though some doctors consider these slightly different presentations of the same process. The iris normally controls how much light enters the eye, similar to the aperture of a camera. When it loses pigment, tiny pigment particles can float into the fluid inside the eye and clog the drainage channels, which can raise eye pressure. The most common symptoms include sudden eye redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and a noticeable change in eye color. One of the most distinctive signs is that the pupil may not respond normally to light, and the iris can appear to 'shimmer' or look washed out. In some cases, the condition has been linked to certain antibiotic use, particularly fluoroquinolones like moxifloxacin, as well as viral infections. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and protecting vision. Eye drops to lower pressure, reduce inflammation, and dilate the pupil are commonly used. Most patients recover reasonably well, but some may experience lasting changes to their iris or ongoing eye pressure problems. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment by an eye specialist are very important to protect long-term vision.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Sudden redness in both eyesIncreased sensitivity to light (photophobia)Blurred or hazy visionNoticeable lightening or color change of the irisPupil that does not respond normally to light or appears irregularElevated eye pressure (which may cause eye pain or headache)Floating particles or 'floaters' in visionA shimmering or translucent appearance of the irisMild to moderate eye discomfort or aching
Clinical phenotype terms (10)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris.
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Specialists
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris.
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Caregiver Resources
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Could a medication I recently took, like an antibiotic, have triggered this condition?,Is my eye pressure at a safe level, and do I need treatment for glaucoma?,Will my eye color return to normal, or is the pigment loss permanent?,How often do I need to come back for eye pressure checks?,What warning signs should make me go to the emergency room right away?,Are there any activities I should avoid while my eyes are inflamed?,Is there any risk that other family members could develop this condition?
Common questions about Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris
What is Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris?
Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) is a rare eye condition where the colored part of both eyes — called the iris — suddenly loses its pigment, or color. This happens in both eyes at the same time, which is what 'bilateral' means. The condition is also sometimes called bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT), though some doctors consider these slightly different presentations of the same process. The iris normally controls how much light enters the eye, similar to the aperture of a camera. When it loses pigment, tiny pigment particles can float into the fluid inside the eye
How is Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris inherited?
Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris typically begin?
Typical onset of Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.