For centuries, people have marveled at the beauty and wonder of the human eye. Eye color is one of the most striking features of our face, and it can change over time due to several factors.

While genetics play a vital role in determining our eye color, environmental factors can also influence the pigments in our eyes. In this article, we will explore the science behind eye color changes and the seven key factors that affect them.

1. Genetics

The color of our eyes is primarily determined by our genetics. It’s believed that more than 15 genes can influence the color of our eyes. The gene that has the most significant impact on eye color is called OCA2.

It produces a protein that helps produce, transport, and store melanin in our eyes. Melanin is a pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. The more melanin your eyes produce, the darker they will be.

Genetics is the primary factor in determining our eye color. However, it’s not the only factor that contributes to the changes we may experience over time.

2. Age

As we grow older, the pigments in our eyes can change. Babies are born with light-colored eyes because they have very little melanin in their eyes at birth. However, as they get older, the eyes produce more melanin, which can darken their eye color.

Most people’s eye color stabilizes by the age of three, but some people may experience changes in their eye color throughout their lifetime.

3. Sun Exposure

The sun’s UV rays can damage the pigments in our eyes, leading to changes in color. Spending too much time in the sun without wearing protection can lead to a condition called photokeratitis.

It’s a type of sunburn on the eye’s surface that can cause eye redness, sensitivity to light, and temporary vision loss. Prolonged sun exposure can also cause the breakdown of the melanin pigment, leading to changes in eye color.

4. Hormones

Hormones can play a role in the changes we experience in our eye color. During pregnancy, many women experience changes in their eye color due to hormonal changes.

The hormone estrogen can affect the production of melanin, leading to darkening of the eyes. Additionally, hormonal changes during puberty can also cause changes in eye color.

5. Medications

Some medications can affect the color of our eyes. For instance, prostaglandin analogs used to treat glaucoma can darken the eye color over time. The increase in melanin production caused by these medications can lead to permanent changes in eye color.

6. Diseases and Conditions

Some diseases and conditions can affect the color of our eyes, such as albinism. It’s a rare genetic disorder that affects the production and storage of melanin, causing a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.

People with albinism may have very light-colored or blue eyes due to the absence of melanin in their eyes.

7. Trauma

Trauma to the eye can cause changes in eye color due to the influx of blood into the eye. It can damage the iris, leading to permanent changes in the pigmentation of the eye.

Additionally, surgery to the eye can also cause changes in eye color due to scarring on the iris.

Conclusion

The color of our eyes is not just a superficial feature. It’s an integral part of our identity that can change over time due to several factors.

Genetics is the primary factor in determining our eye color, but environmental factors can also affect it. Age, sun exposure, hormones, medications, diseases and conditions, and trauma can all play a role in the changes we experience in our eye color. Understanding these factors can help us appreciate the beauty of our eye color and the science behind it.