What causes your eye color to change?

What causes your eye color to change?

The color of the eyes is determined by the presence of pigmented melanin. The degree of pigmentation in the iris is positively correlated with the amount of connective tissue present in the anterior region known as the stroma. Eyes exhibiting a lower proportion of connective tissue have a tendency to manifest lighter pigmentation. The melanin levels of individuals often exhibit stability throughout their lifespan, resulting in a corresponding constancy in their eye color.

Occasionally, a change in the pigmentation of the iris can be attributed to the natural process of aging and is devoid of any adverse effects. Nevertheless, there exist certain factors that have the potential to induce long-lasting changes in melanin degrees. Eye illnesses, like pigmentary glaucoma, have the potential to change the amount of melanin. The phenomenon of eye color change over time can also be attributed to genetic factors.

Heterochromia, or the condition characterized by the presence of multiple eye colors, has the potential to induce alterations in eye pigmentation over the course of time. This condition frequently arises as a consequence of a traumatic injury. Approximately 1% of the populace exhibits heterochromia iridum, a condition characterized by the presence of eyes with differing colors.

The response entails that although the majority of individuals maintain a consistent eye color throughout their lifespan, certain individuals may observe a change in eye color as they grow older. Certain individuals perceive their eye color as highly meaningful and attach considerable importance to this characteristic, while others exhibit indifference towards the specific hue of their eyes, prioritizing visual acuity instead.

What is the reason behind the phenomenon of brown eyes undergoing a lightening process as individuals age?

Approximately 10-15% of individuals of Caucasian descent, particularly those who with light-colored eyes, exhibit a phenomenon wherein their eye color undergoes changes during the course of their lives. The color of light brown eyes has the potential to lighten, resulting in a hazel appearance, while hazel eyes have the potential to darken. These alterations occur as a result of the generation of the pigment melanin within the body and/or variations in pigment within the iris. The answer to that question is contingent upon various factors. The maturation of eye color typically occurs during infancy for the majority of individuals. It is a common observation that certain infants exhibit a distinct eye color characterized by a shade of steel blue, which subsequently undergoes a transformation and assumes a different color as they grow older. 

This serves as an illustration of the complete maturation of the eyes. Certain individuals possess a predetermined eye color that remains consistent throughout their lifespan. In a minority of individuals, it is possible for the color of their eyes to undergo alterations. As individuals age, it is common for the pigmentation of the eyes to undergo natural changes, resulting in either darkening or lightening.

Certain medications have the potential to change  eye color. An illustrative instance can be observed in the case of a prescription-only eyelash growth serum produced by a well-known brand. Although infrequent, the occurrence of side effects was observed primarily when the drops were mistakenly applied to the eye instead of the intended lash line, as per the recommended usage. It was found that a chemical present in the serum possessed the potential to affect the pigmentation of the eye.

Eye color changes can also occur as a result of other medications and surgical procedures. 

If the occurrence of such an adverse effect is a possibility associated with a particular therapeutic intervention, your ophthalmologist will provide a comprehensive discussion regarding this matter prior to the commencement of treatment.

The proximity of a distinct color to the eye can result in subtle reflections of said hues, potentially creating an illusion of altered eye color despite the absence of any actual change. In a comparable manner, altering the colors in close proximity to one's eyes has the potential to modify the level of contrast typically perceived, thereby influencing the perceived intensity of the hue as a result of an adjustment in the comparative analysis.

What methods can be employed for changing eye color?

The subject of surgical eye color change is a topic that elicits varying opinions and is considered contentious in academic discourse. Eye doctors have been employing laser eye color change surgery and iris implants in an endeavor to achieve permanent alteration of eye color; however, there exist inherent risks associated with these procedures. The procedure of iris implant surgery involves a surgical intervention performed by an ophthalmologist, wherein the cornea is incised and a colored silicone implant is carefully inserted. Subsequently, the implant is strategically placed in order to fully encompass the iris. The surgical procedure was primarily employed in cases where individuals exhibited abnormal iris development or suffered from iris damage resulting from a traumatic incident.

Historically, the permanent alteration of one's eye color was considered unattainable. Colored contact lenses were previously the sole solution available to individuals seeking to alter their natural eye color.

The Lumineyes laser eye color change technology is a cutting-edge innovation that aims to alter the color of an individual's eyes through the use of laser technology.

In light of recent technological advancements, experimental procedures involving laser eye color surgery have been conducted on individuals expressing a desire to alter their ocular pigmentation. The MylumineEyes Laser Eye Color Change Center, a Turkish company, conducted a study and developed a laser surgical procedure approximately 13 years ago. This procedure has demonstrated the ability to lighten the color of the iris, transforming it from brown to various colors such as hazel eye color, green, gray, or blue eye color. It is widely believed that this particular technology has the capability to significantly alter the color of brown eyes, resulting in lighter shades such as brown, gray, hazel, blue, or green. Dr. Mete has achieved a significant milestone by successfully performing the inaugural procedure for a safe laser-based alteration of eye color, marking a groundbreaking advancement in the field. The aforementioned lumineyes procedure employs low-energy laser technology that is transmitted through the transparent cornea of the eye. This procedure applies a mild amount of heat to the brown pigment present on the anterior surface of the iris. The process of heating induces a lightening effect on the brown pigment, subsequently exposing the underlying blue or green hue.

Although laser eye color change surgery, known as keratopigmentation, and iris implant surgery carry inherent risks, they possess the capacity to alter the natural coloration of the eye. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the individual does not possess the ability to select their own eye color.