Have you ever noticed a change in the color of your eyes when you gazed in the mirror? Your brown eyes may appear lighter or darker, or your once-bright blue eyes may appear somewhat blurry. Although it may appear like something from a movie, there are a number of reasons why eye color changes can and do occur.
While some of these eye color changes are entirely benign, others can be an indication of a more serious medical condition.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what causes eye color changes, when they’re normal, and when you should see an eye doctor.
Is It Normal to Experience Eye Color Changes?
The amount and distribution of melanin (pigment) in the iris, or colored portion of the eye, are the main factors influencing eye color. Throughout their first year of life, babies frequently undergo changes in the color of their eyes. For instance, the blue or gray eyes of many newborns gradually darken as their melanin levels rise.
However, eye color tends to remain constant in adults. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention when you observe a shift.
Common Causes of Eye Color Changes
Lighting and Environment
Sometimes what appears to be a change in eye color is just a trick of the light. Natural sunlight, indoor lighting, or the color of your clothing can reflect off your iris and make your eyes appear lighter or darker than usual.
Aging
As you age, your eyes may naturally change in appearance. The iris can lose pigment over time, causing a lighter eye color in older adults. This is typically gradual and not a cause for concern.
Emotions and Pupil Size
Strong emotions like happiness, anger, or sadness can cause your pupils to dilate, which can slightly alter the appearance of your eye color. A larger pupil exposes less of the iris, sometimes making your eye color appear darker.
Medications
Certain medications, especially those used to treat glaucoma (like prostaglandin analogs), can cause a gradual darkening of the iris, particularly in people with lighter eyes. This change may be permanent, but it usually doesn’t affect vision or eye health.
Injury or Trauma
Because of blood, inflammation, or scarring, an eye injury may result in eye color changes. For example, the eye may become momentarily tinted due to a bruise or ruptured blood vessel. Trauma can occasionally result in permanent abnormalities like heterochromia, which is the condition where one eye is different in color from the other.
Medical Reasons for Eye Color Changes
While some causes of color change are harmless, others may signal a more serious issue. If you notice a sudden or dramatic change, it’s important to consult an eye care professional.
Heterochromia
A person who has two different colored eyes or variations within the same iris is said to have heterochromia. It may be inherited (existing from birth) or acquired as a result of trauma, surgery, or specific illnesses like:
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- Horner’s syndrome
- Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis
- Pigment dispersion syndrome
Iris Nevus or Melanoma
A nevus is a freckle or mole on the eye. While usually harmless, it can cause a localized color change in the iris. In rare cases, a growing nevus can turn into an iris melanoma—a form of eye cancer. Changes in size, shape, or color of any spot in the iris should be evaluated by an eye doctor.
Uveitis
A nevus is an eye mole or freckle. Although generally harmless, it may result in a localized iris color shift. Rarely, a developing nevus may develop into an eye cancer called iris melanoma. An eye doctor should be consulted if any spot in the iris changes in size, shape, or color.
Fuchs’ Heterochromic Iridocyclitis
This rare condition causes chronic inflammation in one eye and can lead to a gradual lightening of the iris. It is often painless and slow-developing but may result in cataracts or glaucoma over time.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice eye color changes—especially if they’re sudden, occur in only one eye, or are accompanied by other symptoms—it’s important to get checked by an eye care professional. Warning signs include:
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- Blurred or distorted vision
- Eye pain or sensitivity to light
- A dark spot growing on the iris
- Redness or swelling
- Uneven or changing iris color
An eye exam can help determine whether the color change is natural, cosmetic, or medical.
Conclusion
Seeing your eye color changes over time or due to external factors like lighting is usually nothing to worry about. But if the change is noticeable, persistent, or accompanied by other eye symptoms, it may be your body’s way of signaling that something’s wrong.
Your eyes are not only a window to the soul—they’re also a window to your overall health. Pay attention to them, and never hesitate to consult your optometrist if something feels off.
Eye color changes can be fascinating, but they might be a signal from your body. If you’ve seen a shift in color, call us to schedule an appointment with our eye doctor, Dr. Jeffrey Porter and his associates.
Our experienced eye doctors in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL, are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas.
Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL
815-477-4053
Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL
847-458-5796
