Did you know that your eye colour isn’t set in stone?

From natural factors like melanin to lifestyle changes and even mood, your eye colour might surprise you. Discover the science and secrets behind how your eye colour can change in this engaging guide.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed your eyes seem a little different? Perhaps they appear brighter on sunny days or darker when you’re feeling emotional. While many believe eye colour is entirely genetic and unchangeable, the truth is far more fascinating. From mood swings to dietary changes, there are various factors that can alter the appearance of your eyes. Let’s explore seven intriguing ways your eye colour can change naturally and artificially.

1. Melanin and Ageing

Melanin, the pigment in your irises, plays a significant role in determining eye colour and can change over time. Babies are often born with greyish-blue eyes due to low melanin levels, but as melanocytes develop, their eye colour may darken to green, hazel, or brown. This transformation is caused by the Tyndall effect, which is similar to how the sky appears blue. Babies with brown eyes, however, usually retain their colour throughout life due to higher melanin levels from birth. While melanin development stabilises by age 12, this fascinating process proves that eye colour is influenced by more than just genetics.

2. Injury or Trauma

Eye injuries or trauma can lead to a condition called heterochromia, where one eye changes colour and differs from the other. This happens when melanocytes in the iris are disrupted, either making the eye lighter or darker. While heterochromia can be genetic, it can also occur due to accidents, diseases like pigmentary glaucoma, or conditions such as Horner syndrome. Any sudden change in eye colour following trauma requires immediate medical attention, as it could indicate an underlying issue affecting the eye’s health.

3. Your Mood

Emotions like happiness, sadness, or anger can temporarily alter the appearance of your eyes by affecting your pupils. When you’re angry or upset, your pupils dilate, compressing the pigments in your irises and making your eyes appear darker. Conversely, when you’re happy or calm, the pupil’s contract, spreading the pigments and making your eyes look lighter. These changes also explain why your eyes appear different in bright versus dim lighting, as the pupil size fluctuates based on the amount of light entering your eyes.

4. Raw Food Diet and Detoxing

Some alternative health experts believe that a clean, plant-based diet can affect your eye colour by improving overall health. Dr Robert Morris, a detox specialist, claims that certain foods like spinach can brighten eyes, honey can add warm tones, and seafood can intensify colours. Although scientific evidence for this theory, known as iridology, is limited, anecdotal accounts from individuals following raw vegan diets show changes in eye colour and clarity. A healthy diet might not drastically change your irises, but it does promote brighter, healthier eyes and overall wellbeing.

5. Makeup and Clothing

Your choice of makeup and clothing can accentuate or subtly alter the appearance of your eye colour. For example, brown eyes can appear lighter with gold, pink, or green tones, while blue or green eyes look more vibrant with turquoise or emerald hues. Hazel eyes can shift towards brown with purple shades or towards green with burnt orange. Neutral tones like black, grey, and white also enhance natural eye colour. Anti-reflective coatings on glasses can further reduce glare and highlight the natural beauty of your eyes.

6. Laser Lightening for Permanent Change

For those seeking a permanent transformation, laser lightening is an innovative option to alter eye colour. This procedure uses lasers to destroy melanin in the irises, making brown eyes appear blue or grey. Developed by Dr Greg Homer, the treatment takes only 20 seconds, with results becoming visible within weeks. While the procedure is considered safe and doesn’t affect vision, it’s relatively new and requires more research to identify potential risks. If you’re considering such a change, it’s crucial to consult a qualified specialist before proceeding.

7. Coloured Contact Lenses The easiest and most accessible way to change your eye colour is through coloured contact lenses. These lenses come in natural shades or creative designs like cat eyes or black scleras. However, using non-prescription lenses from unauthorised sellers can cause severe eye problems, including corneal ulcers or blindness. Always purchase FDA-approved lenses from licensed sellers, even if you’re only wearing them for cosmetic purposes. Whether for a natural enhancement or a bold look, coloured contacts offer a temporary yet effective way to transform your eyes safely.