Have you ever noticed someone's eyes appear to change color? Perhaps you've heard the myth that your eye color can change based on your mood or the clothes you wear. But is there any truth to this? Let's take a closer look at whether human eyes can change color.
What Determines Eye Color?
Eye color is determined by the amount and type of pigment in the iris, which is the colored part of the eye. There are three main pigments that contribute to eye color: melanin, lipochrome, and anthocyanin. Melanin is the most common pigment and ranges in color from brown to black. Lipochrome is yellow to gold in color and is responsible for green and hazel eyes. Anthocyanin is a rare pigment that appears blue or violet.
Do Eyes Change Color Naturally?
Most people's eye color is set by the time they reach their first birthday. However, some people may experience a slight change in eye color over time. This is because melanin production can increase or decrease in response to environmental factors such as sunlight, medication, or disease.
Can Eye Color Change with Mood?
Contrary to popular belief, your mood cannot change the color of your eyes. However, your emotions can affect the size of your pupils, which may give the appearance of a color change. When you are happy or excited, your pupils dilate and appear larger, making your eyes look brighter. When you are sad or angry, your pupils constrict and appear smaller, making your eyes look darker.
Can Eye Color Change with Clothing?
Similar to mood, your clothing cannot change the color of your eyes. However, the color of your clothing can create an optical illusion that makes your eyes appear a different color. For example, wearing a green shirt may make hazel eyes appear more green, while wearing a blue shirt may make blue eyes appear brighter.
Can Eye Color Change with Contacts?
Contact lenses can change the appearance of your eye color but cannot permanently change your natural eye color. Colored contacts work by covering your iris with a tinted lens. They are available in a range of colors, from subtle enhancements to dramatic changes.
Conclusion
While slight changes in eye color can occur naturally over time, human eyes do not change color based on mood or clothing. Contact lenses can temporarily change the appearance of your eye color but cannot permanently alter your natural eye color. The color of your eyes is determined by the amount and type of pigment in the iris and is set by the time you reach your first birthday.