It’s not an uncommon thing to have wondered before if your eyes are capable of changing color. At some point or another, we’ve all wanted to have different eyes just to see what they’d look like. And as crazy as it may sound, eyes can absolutely change color! How does this happen? Let’s start with the basics.
First of all, the iris is a muscle in the eye that gives it its color. With light, the iris can either expand or contract in order to control pupil size. The pupil shrinks when exposed to bright light, whereas it grows in dimmer lighting. When the pupil changes size, the pigments in the iris either compress or spread apart, which causes a slight change in perceived eye color.
However, light is not the only reason why your eyes can change color. There are other factors than can make your eyes lighter or darker.
- Spinach: It’s richness in iron will make your eyes look younger and shine brighter!
- Organic honey: Regular consumption of honey could make your eye hue lighter and brighter.
- Fish: Consuming fish can increase your eye color strength and depending on the consumption, this changes could be permanent.
- Olive oil: Many people believe that adding olive oil to your diet could change the shade of your eyes.
- Onions: Regular intake of onion has shown gradual changes in eye and skin color.
- Nuts: Add different nuts to your diet and your eyes could gradually get a lighter color.
*Note: Roasted nuts won’t affect your eyes since their nutrients (what might change your eye color) have already been destroyed by exposing them to high temperatures.
- Chamomile & Uva Ursi tea: eyes relax and pupil size changes, making the eye appear a different color (usually a warmer shade).
- Horner’s Syndrome: A complication with the third cranial nerve. This disease could make the affected eye(s) change to a lighter color.
- Fuch’s Heterochromic Uveitis: A chronic mild inflammation of the front section of the eye.
- Pigmentary Glaucoma: In this type of glaucoma, the pigment on the back of the iris is disrupted and the loose pigment granules collect on the back of the cornea. This loose pigment could also collect on the front of the iris, changing the color. Medication for glaucoma could also affect the color of the eyes.
There are many reasons why your eyes may at least appear to change color. In certain cases, like eye disease and changes in your diet, your eye color may truly change. However, many times it is only a matter of perspective and elements that can reflect into your eyes, tricking the mind of those looking at you into thinking your eyes just changed into a different shade. The best thing to do when your eyes start changing color is to get an eye exam. 2020 On-site's mobile eye clinics offer a compelling option for businesses looking to offer a unique corporate perk. Other options for eye exams include finding a local optometrist, or visiting Costco Optical if you hold a membership there.
SOURCES:
O'Connor, Anahad. "The Claim: Eye Color Can Be Affected by the Color of Clothing." The New York Times. N.p., 20 Dec. 2005. Web. 12 Aug. 2016.
Topics: eye health