You must have wondered why many people among individuals have blue colored eyes while others have brown or green eyes? The color of our eyes is determined by a complex interplay of genetics, pigmentation, and environmental factors. 

Eye color is one of the most noticeable physical traits of a person, but have you ever stopped to think about why we have different eye colors? In this article, we will delve into the science behind eye color and explore the various factors that contribute to it.

Genetics and Eye Color

The most significant factor that determines eye color is genetics. The color of the eye of an individual is defined by the amount and type of pigments present in the iris of the eye, which is the colored part of the eye. The two main types of pigments that determine eye color are eumelanin, which is brown or black, and pheomelanin, which is red or yellow.

The amount and type of pigments present in the iris are determined by several genes. The most important of these genes is called the OCA2 gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that helps to produce and store melanin in the iris. The amount and type of melanin produced are regulated by other genes as well.

Inheritance of Eye Color

Eye color, like many other physical traits, is inherited from our parents. The color of a child's eyes is determined by the combination of genes they inherit from their parents. The inheritance pattern of eye color is complex, and there are several factors that can influence the outcome.

For instance, brown eyes are dominant over blue eyes. This means that if one parent has brown eyes and the other has blue eyes, their child is more likely to have brown eyes. However, this is not always the case, and there are many instances where a child's eye color does not match either parent's.

Environmental Factors

While genetics is the primary factor that determines eye color, there are several environmental factors that can also influence it. For example, exposure to sunlight can alter the amount and type of melanin in the iris, which can change the color of the eyes. People who live in regions with high levels of sunlight tend to have darker eyes than people who live in regions with less sunlight.

Age can also play a role in the development of eye color. Babies are often born with blue or gray eyes that can change color as they grow older. This is because the amount and type of melanin in the iris can change during the first few years of life.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, eye color is determined by a complex interplay of genetics and environmental factors. While genetics is the primary factor that determines eye color, there are several other factors that can influence it. Understanding the science behind eye color can help us appreciate the diversity in our physical traits and the complexity of our genetic makeup.

Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson is a Kerala-based eye wear expert and entrepreneur. He is one of the directors of Ejones Opticals, a company dedicated to providing the highest quality eye wear products at the most affordable prices. Eric has been in the eye wear business for over 10 years, and has a deep understanding of the industry. He is passionate about helping people look and feel their best through the right eye wear. Eric is committed to using his expertise to create stylish and functional eye wear that is tailored to each individual's needs.