Have you ever wondered what colour your eyes are? Well, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about their eye colour and how to determine the true hue. In this article, we will explore the different colours of eyes, how to find out what colour your eyes are, and what factors can influence eye colour.
The Different Colours of Eyes
Did you know that there are over 16 different colours of eyes? While many people recognize only a few, there are actually quite a few shades that can contribute to determining one’s eye colour. Here are some of the most common:
- Brown
- Blue
- Green
- Black
- Hazel
- Amber
- Grey
Brown Eyes
Brown eyes are the most common eye colour and are found in almost every part of the world. They range from light brown to dark brown and are caused by the presence of melanin in the iris.
Blue Eyes
Blue eyes are less common than brown and are caused by the tyndall effect-entire light composed of shorter wavelength colors like violet and blue is scattered more effectively by the microscopic irregularities present in blue irises than in brown or hazel irises. Thus an optical effect called Tyndall scattering occurs.
Green Eyes
Green eyes are rarer and are caused by a combination of low melanin levels and the scattering of light as it passes through the iris. People with green eyes may have a range of different shades, from dark green to light greenish-blue.
Black Eyes
Black eyes are not actually black, but they appear to be so because of the high melanin levels in the iris. People with black eyes will have a very dark brown colour that may appear black in certain lighting conditions.
Hazel Eyes
Hazel eyes are a mix of brown and green, and sometimes even gold or blue. This colour is caused by the presence of melanin and the scattering of light through the iris.
Amber Eyes
Amber eyes are rare and occur when there is a high concentration of yellow pigment in the iris. They can also appear to have a reddish hue in certain lighting conditions.
Grey Eyes
Grey eyes are the rarest colour of eyes and are caused by a combination of low melanin levels and the reflection of light off the iris. People with grey eyes may have a blue or green tint to their eyes depending on the lighting conditions.
How to Determine Your Eye Color
If you’re not sure what colour your eyes are, there are a few ways to find out. The most common is to simply look in the mirror and observe the colour of your iris. You can also take a photo of your eye in natural light and try to get a better look at the colour that way.
If you want a more accurate assessment of your eye colour, you can visit an optometrist, who can use special tools to measure the amount of melanin in your iris and give you a better idea of your true eye colour. They can also test for other factors that can influence eye colour, such as age, gender, and genetics.
Factors That Influence Eye Colour
While genetics play a significant role in determining eye colour, there are other factors that can also influence it. Here are the most common:
Age
As we age, our eye colour can change due to a decrease in melanin production. This is why some people experience a change in eye colour as they get older, and why babies’ eye colour can change as well.
Genetics
Genetics are the biggest factor in determining eye colour. The genes we inherit from our parents can dictate the amount of melanin in our iris and the overall colour of our eyes.
Health
Some health conditions can also impact eye colour. For example, people with diabetes may experience a change in eye colour due to damage to the eye’s blood vessels. Similarly, eye infections and injuries can also cause a change in eye colour.
Can Eye Colour Change?
While eye colour is mostly determined by genetics and other factors, it is possible for eye colour to change throughout one’s lifetime. This can happen as a result of aging, exposure to sunlight, and certain diseases or medications.
Additionally, some people may experience a change in eye colour due to the presence of a medical condition such as Horner’s syndrome which causes either reduced pigmentation called hypopigmentation or increased pigmentation called hyperpigmentation in the iris or turns blue eyes brown in the affected area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eye colour is determined by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, and health conditions. While most people have brown, blue, or green eyes, there are many shades of each colour that can make it difficult to determine one’s true eye colour. If you want a more accurate assessment of your eye colour, consider visiting an optometrist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can your eye colour change naturally over time?
A: Yes, as you age, your eye colour can change naturally due to the decreasing production of melanin. Other factors such as sunlight exposure and certain medications can also cause a change in eye colour.
Q: Can babies’ eye colour change as they grow?
A: Yes, a baby’s eye colour can change within the first year of life as the melanin in their eyes increases or decreases.
Q: Can eye colour be influenced by environment?
A: Yes, environmental factors such as sunlight exposure can cause a change in eye colour due to the production of melanin.
Q: Is it possible to have two different coloured eyes?
A: Yes, this is called heterochromia and is typically caused by a difference in the amount of melanin present in each eye.
Q: Can eye colour affect vision?
A: No, eye colour has no direct impact on vision.
References
- https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/eye-color-facts-and-fiction?sso=y
- https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/eye-color.htm
- https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-color#can-you-change-your-eye-color
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322771#can-eye-color-change-naturally