Can Eye Color Change?
Can your eyes change color—or is this just a common myth? The Visionworks team explains whether eye color can really change.
Some people notice that their eye color looks different depending on the day. So, many have concluded that their eyes just naturally change colors on their own. But, can eye color change so easily? The Visionworks experts explain how eye color develops, what factors influence our eye color and whether eye color can really change.
Here’s How Eye Color Develops
Your unique genetics determine your eye color and these are passed down to you from your parents. For example, two blue-eyed parents are more likely to have a blue-eyed baby. The actual color pigmentation of the iris is influenced by how much melanin your eyes have. Melanin levels determine the color of your skin, hair and eyes. People with more melanin have darker brown eyes—and people with less have a lighter shade, like blue or green. People with light irises are often more sensitive to the sun than people with dark irises, because there is less melanin to protect the eye. Once eye color develops, however, very few things can actually change it.
What causes eye color to change?
Our eye color is set by genetics and formed by melanin levels. So, why do some people claim to experience eye color changes? After our eyes reach peak pigmentation, they don’t typically change color. However, certain factors can influence the appearance of our eyes. In rare cases, medical conditions alter iris pigmentation or eye appearance.
Why does it look like my eyes are changing color?
Clothing and Makeup
Our eye colors don’t typically change. However, clothing and makeup options bring out different shades of our eyes and make them pop. For example, blue eyes may appear bluer when people wear warm-toned eye makeup—and green eyes may appear more vibrant when wearing a green shirt. While it may seem that the eyes have changed color, nothing has physically changed. Certain accent colors are just better at emphasizing what’s already there.
Lighting
Like clothes and makeup, lighting plays a significant role in perceiving color and vibrance. For example, direct light on the eyes makes them appear brighter and more vivid. This phenomenon is why photography studios use specialty lighting for portraits. While your eyes may look different, there is no physical color change.
Pupil Dilation
While it doesn’t change the actual color of our irises, pupil dilation affects how we perceive eye color. For example, your eye color may appear darker or duller when your pupils are more dilated. In contrast, your eyes may look more vibrant and bright when your pupils are less dilated. Pupil dilation has more of an impact on how we perceive the lighter eye colors, like green and blue.
Sun Exposure
Prolonged sun exposure causes our bodies to produce more melanin, making our skin and sometimes our eyes appear darker. In some cases, the eyes can even get sunburned—a condition known as photokeratitis. Eye sunburn can temporarily alter our eyes' appearance and repeat burns can lead to permanent damage. Protect your eyes year-round, even during the winter, with a pair of high-quality sunglasses.
Age
Eye colors don’t typically change after our eyes reach peak pigmentation. However, babies may experience eye color changes up until age three. Many babies are initially born with blue eyes because their irises haven’t had the chance to develop fully. More melanin is produced as they age, creating their permanent eye color. Once the eyes mature, the color does not typically change. However, elderly groups sometimes experience eye color changes, reporting duller or paler-looking irises. These instances may be linked to eye diseases that can affect eye color.
Should I be concerned about changes in eye color?
In most cases, changes in eye color are simply a reflection of your current environment or outfit. Different backgrounds, makeup colors and lighting all impact how we perceive colors, meaning the change is perceived rather than physical.
However, there are some instances in which changes in eye appearance may be a sign of eye health issues. For example, trauma to the eye can impact the iris, causing it to appear different than usual. In addition, cataracts can make the eye appear dull, cloudy or milky, and pigmentary glaucoma may affect the color pigments of the iris. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or experience vision changes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
I’d rather have different colored eyes. Can I change my eye color?
While there is no way to safely change the actual color pigmentation of your eyes, there are ways to change your look. For example, colored contacts are a great way to play with different eye colors and styles. There are many options to choose from, including colored contacts that enhance your existing eye color or change it completely. Remember, it is only safe to wear FDA-approved prescription contacts. Even if you don’t need vision correction, wearing contacts safely requires a contact prescription. Learn how to choose the right-colored contacts and ask your eye doctor for recommendations. In addition, different frame colors, eye makeup and clothing options all play a role in highlighting your eyes. Experiment with various options to see what makes your eyes pop.
Healthy Eyes Are Beautiful Eyes
Healthy eyes are beautiful eyes, no matter what color they are! Many different environmental factors contribute to how your eye color is perceived. However, you’ll most likely have the same color for the rest of your life. Of course, you can enhance your eye color with contacts and glasses from Visionworks. Come see us and we’ll help you select the perfect new look!
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
