Changing Eye Color: Myths And Truths

Eye color is attributed to the production of melanin in the body. It is rare for it to change after the first year of life. However, some argue that it is possible. Here are the myths and truths around this topic.

The color of the iris, as well as that of the skin and hair, is linked to the production of melanin in each individual. So is it possible to change the color of the eyes? Today we present to you the myths and truths that exist about it.

More than 150 genes are involved in the production, transport and storage of melanin. This pigment helps define the color of the eyes.

People with light eyes, usually in shades of blue or green, do not produce or store large amounts of pigment. On the other hand, it is the opposite with those who have dark eyes.

How is eye color determined?

According to an article in the Missouri Medicine journal ,  eye color in humans is determined by the number and size of melanosomes. These are structures that contain melanin. Melanosomes are part of melanocytes, cells that distribute themselves in the outer tissue of the iris and give the eyes their characteristic color.

This article also reports that the OCA2 gene on chromosome 15 produces a protein that controls the formation and processing of melanin. The greater the activity of this gene, the darker the color of the eyes. There are also other genes that can affect the layout of the pigment, and result in lighter shades.

What is the function of the iris?

The iris is a flat, ring-shaped membrane that is made up of connective tissue and muscle fibers. It sits behind the cornea and borders the pupil. In addition, it is responsible for coloring the eyes and for regulating, together with the pupil, the amount of light that enters the eye.

Thanks to its muscle fibers, the iris narrows and widens the pupil to allow light to enter the eye. It depends on the surrounding conditions.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology , it sometimes feels like the iris is changing color. This happens due to  changes in lighting which dilate the pupil and appear to change the color of the eyes  as it is projected based on the reflected light. However, this is a temporary change.

If you notice an obvious change in the color of one of your eyes, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist. Indeed,  it is rare for the iris to change color. If so, it may be a signal of illnesses such as uveitis, hepatitis or aniridia, or the consequences of medication or trauma.

Myths and Truths About Changing Eye Color

There are many claims about the reasons for changes in eye color. Here are those which correspond to a myth or a truth.

At birth, the color of the eyes is different

It’s just. During the first months of life, the melanocytes have not yet completed their work. The color we perceive in the eyes of newborns can therefore vary over time.

An article from the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that it takes  about a year for melanocytes to secrete melanin. This process generates changes in the color of the eyes, which change from the initial gray or blue to a darker color.

However, some babies may be born with depigmentation disorders like albinism or heterochromia, in which each eye is a different color or several colors coexist in the same eye. This can be the consequence of trauma, genetic factors or associated with other pathologies.

Green eyes are the result of a genetic mutation

This is wrong. Having green eyes is by no means the result of a genetic mutation. This color is the result of a moderate production of melanin and an intermediate number of melanosomes. This is what the publication Genetics of Eye Color suggests .

Another article, disclosed in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences , argues that the color of the iris is not determined by the amount of melanocytes. According to this study,  the color varies depending on the composition of the melanosome. There are actually two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. The latter is associated with the color of the clear iris.

Eye color varies according to our mood

False. Mood does not change eye color. Or at least there is no research that supports this claim.

As we mentioned before, the perception of eye color can vary depending on the light conditions in the environment that cause the pupil to dilate. In these types of situations, the iris is less noticeable and may reflect a color similar to that of nearby objects.

It is possible to change eye color through surgery

This is true, but it is not recommended. Besides the use of colored contact lenses, there are two surgeries that can change the appearance of the iris. One of them is an iris implant. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first prosthetic iris in 2018.

In principle, intraocular iris implant surgery originated as a  treatment for congenital or traumatic malformations. However, its use for cosmetic purposes to change eye color has gained momentum.

Medical specialists do not advise subjecting healthy eyes to this procedure. Indeed, there are risks that can compromise visual health. According to a study published in The Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, some of the eye complications that can occur are increased intraocular pressure, intraocular inflammation, corneal edema, loss of vision, and glaucoma.

The other surgical method is keratopigmentation of the cornea. This procedure takes place on patients who present with corneal opacity. In other words, whose cornea has lost its transparency and makes it difficult for light to reach the retina. This is what an article in Eye magazine points out.

According to a publication in the journal Cornea, it is a surgical operation requiring different techniques and the complications of which seem to be treated in time. For these reasons, it has become both a therapeutic and a cosmetic option. Some of the complications that can result from the procedure include sensitivity to light, discoloration of the eyes and keratitis.

Take care of your eye health

The eyes are essential organs for perceiving the world around us and for carrying out daily activities more easily. Sight is therefore considered to be one of the most dominant senses. Even if you want to change the color of your eyes to a darker or lighter shade, it is important to remember that this can deteriorate eye health.

Finally, the color of the iris usually stabilizes after the first year of life. If you observe any changes in its appearance, consult your eye doctor  to find out the reason for the alteration.