Why did My Eyes Change from Blue to Hazel ?
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why did my eyes change from blue to hazel?” This interesting change can happen for many reasons, like genetics, melanin levels, and outside factors. Learning about why this happens can help you appreciate the unique beauty of your changing eye color.
The Science Behind Eye Color Changes
Eye color is the way the iris area of your eye looks and depends on how much pigment there is and what type it is. The two types of pigments are melanin and lipochrome. Melanin imparts the darker colors of the eye whereas lipochrome imparts a light yellow tinge to the eyes.
That would be like going from when you’re born to adulthood and the eye color differs. Babies may possibly have blue eyes because their melanin is not fully developed yet. They are aware that as children grow they develop the ability to produce more melanin.
Various factors can cause eye color to change throughout life:
- Genetics:
Eye color depends a lot on the family background. If your parents had different colored eyes, you might receive features from both of them. - Age:
I like how you also stressed that eye color changes as you grow older. This can occur especially through a natural reduction in melanin synthesis accompanied with the procedural pain. - Health Conditions:
There are some diseases causing the change of color, for instance, Horner’s syndrome or Wilson’s disease. - Environmental Factors:
This can be attributed to items such as lighting and the type of cloth you wear and this will make them see your eye color as though it has changed.
Genetic Factors That Influence Eye Color
The color of your eyes are mainly determined through genes. They are passed down to you by your parents, and are primarily responsible for possessing blue, brown, green, or hazel eyes. Eye color is polygenic and therefore when multiple genes are involved one may find different blends.
For example, if one of your parents has blue eyes and the other has brown eyes, you might get genes from both that can make your eye color change over time. Blue eyes have less pigment, but some gene combinations can cause more melanin to develop, which can change your eyes from blue to hazel or brown as you get older.
The Role of Melanin in Eye Color Transformation
Melanin is the main pigment that gives your eyes their color. People with blue eyes have less melanin, while those with hazel or brown eyes have more. As time goes on, the amount of melanin in your eyes can grow, which might change your eye color from lighter shades like blue to darker ones like hazel or brown.
At birth, the melanin is low and therefore when you are born your eyes are usually blue. Sometimes when you are aging your body produces more melanin in your iris thus resulting in the change of color of your eyes. This process is normal, it can be slow, and is the reason why some people often notice changes of their eye color over time.
Common Reasons for Eye Color Changes
Eye color is not permanent and may alter for a few reasons. Eye color change can also be a genetic condition in which individuals are genetically born with a particular eye color that dates with time. There is actually transition and change in the color pigment known as melanine which is found in the eyes. Other reasons may be age, lighting or even health conditions. It is common for eye color to become lighter or darker in the course of growing but any substantial change should be investigated.
How Aging Affects Eye Color
And there are few parts of a human body that do not change as a person grows older, and the same goes for the eyes. As much as eye color is genetically determined, some people undergo a process in which eye color becomes dark with time due to a formation of melanin. This is why some persons who were born with blue eyes may realize that their eyes are hazel or brown in their old age. On the other hand, some older people might notice their eye color lightening because they lose pigment as they age, which is common.
Environmental Factors and Their Impact on Eye Color
Eye color is influenced by the environment, so your surroundings can change the way your eye color looks. For example, if you’re in direct sunlight, wearing certain clothes, or using makeup, your eye color might look different. Lighting can also make it seem like your eye color has changed, but in reality, it hasn’t.
Medical Conditions That May Cause Eye Color Changes
In some cases, it can be proved that their eye color changes as a result of certain diseases.. Diseases like Horner’s syndrome, Fuchs’ heterochromic iridocyclitis, or pigmentary glaucoma can make your eye color change. If you suddenly notice a big change in your eye color, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to make sure there are no health issues.
Psychological and Emotional Influences on Eye Color
Excitement, sadness or stress can cause your pupils to dilate or constrict, but this doesn’t change the natural pigment of the iris. However, it can sometimes look as if the color of your eyes changed because the composition of the iris shifts, depending on the intensity of your response. For instance, bright eyes may well appear to be intense when a person is enjoying themselves.
