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Living with Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris

A rare eye condition with sudden loss of color in the iris in both eyes, light sensitivity, and eye discomfort.

Understanding Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) is a rare eye condition with sudden loss of pigment in the colored part of both eyes.

Pigment is released inside the eye and collects in the drainage angle. People usually have strong light sensitivity, blurred vision, a red eye, and eye discomfort or pain. It usually clears on its own. Cases often follow a flu-like illness, an upper respiratory infection, or use of the antibiotic moxifloxacin by mouth. A related form called BAIT has a higher risk of high eye pressure.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Loss of color in the iris
  • Strong sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Eye pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Red eye

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Could a recent illness or medicine be linked to my eye problem?
How will you watch my eye pressure?
Is this BADI or the related BAIT, and does that change follow-up?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult

GARD lists genetic changes for this condition but doesn't name a gene. Cases often follow a flu-like illness, an upper respiratory infection, or oral moxifloxacin.

Genetic

Also known as: acute bilateral depigmentation of iris; badi

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Bilateral acute depigmentation of the irisGARD ID 18897 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris.

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