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Eye Colour and Shape: What Does it Say About Human Health
Eye colour and shape may be able to indicate some information about human health such as the likelihood of certain health risks and conditions. This article will cover the common inquiry of what do my eye colours mean and relevant information regarding different eye colour meanings. The different coloured eyes can include green, blue, light brown eyes, amber, dark brown and hazel eyes. It is important to acknowledge that while eye colour may link to certain health conditions and risks, there is not enough research to definitively conclude eye colour as having a significant impact on human health.
What Might a Change in Eye Color and Shape Signify For Your Health?
A change in eye colour and shape may signify an underlying condition or the ageing process. A change in eye colour, also referred to as the iris, is considered rare. However, reasons a colour shift may occur can include changes to the iris such as a virus or disease, iris freckles, iris nevi, lisch nodules and Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis. Causes that are not related to the iris can include cataracts, arcus senilis, injury, corneal disease and inflammation according to the American Optometric Association and Cleveland Clinic. The iris may change in colour due to pseudoexfoliation syndrome, which is a disease that can result in a build-up of flaky, white material on your iris, lens as well as other regions in your eye. This is an age-related condition that may increase the risk of developing glaucoma as it can cause a build-up of flaky, white material on the iris, lens and other regions of the eye.
Pigment dispersion syndrome is a condition that can cause the iris to produce pigment, leading to atrophy of the iris, glaucoma and blurred vision according to the Cleveland Clinic. Iris freckles are characterised as small brown spots on the exterior of the iris, which are a common, harmless consequence of sun exposure. Iris nevi can also be described as brown spots on the eye but are larger and/or darker. While they are usually harmless and grow slowly, it is recommended to have a doctor monitor them. Lisch nodules are small brown bumps and are typically related to a condition called neurofibromatosis. It is a nervous system disorder that results in tumours developing on nerve cells throughout the body. Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis can cause the iris to change colour from pigment loss due to inflammation of structures in the front of the eye.
Cataracts may cause the lens of the eye to turn cloudy and yellow. When cataracts develop, the iris is not affected, however, the appearance of a different eye colour can occur due to the cataract showing through the pupil. Arcus senilis is when a white, blue or grey ring forms around the iris as you age. This occurs when fatty deposits known as lipids gather around the cornea’s outer edge, making it look like your eyes are turning blue. An injury such as a strike to the eye may result in a change in appearance as well as the shape of the eye.
Which Eye Colour is the Healthiest?
The eye colour that is the healthiest may be brown as darker-coloured irises are posited to have more health advantages according to NVISION Centres. Darker coloured eyes are more capable of obstructing ultraviolet light from entering the eyes according to the American Optometric Association. Long exposure to ultraviolet light can cause harmful effects on the eyes as it is shorter than visible light, therefore, it carries more energy.
What do Brown Eyes Indicate in Health?
Brown eyes may indicate health benefits such as a lower risk of developing melanoma, macular degeneration and diabetic-related retinopathy according to the Cleveland Clinic. Brown-coloured eyes are believed to offer more protection due to containing darker pigment which means a higher amount of melanin. However, individuals with brown eyes may be at increased risk of developing cataracts. It is important to note that despite darker colour eyes potentially having protection, the sun’s UV rays are still harmful to the eyes, therefore, wearing sunglasses is strongly recommended.
What are the Health Implications of Having Blue Eyes?
The health implications of having blue eyes may include sensitivity to light and a higher risk of melanoma in the eye also known as ocular melanoma. According to All About Vision, more melanin in the iris may help to prevent UV radiation from damaging the back of the eye. Consequently, blue eyes may be more vulnerable due to containing less melanin. According to the National Library of Medicine, those with blue or grey-coloured irises are at a greater risk of ocular melanoma than those with brown eyes. For individuals with blue eyes, it is recommended to use photochromic lenses to ensure protection during sunny conditions.
What is the Health Prediction of Light-Coloured Eyes?
The health prediction of light-coloured eyes is the lower chance of developing vitiligo and increased risk of light sensitivity. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes patches of the skin to lose colour. A University of Colorado School of Medicine study reported that in a group of almost 3000 people, those with blue or light-coloured eyes were less likely to develop this condition. Light-coloured eyes may be more susceptible to light sensitivity as a result of having less melanin in the iris. Light-coloured eyes according to the National Library of Medicine, were reported to be a factor in patients who had developed ocular melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. However, it is important to acknowledge that there is still insufficient evidence of associations between eye colours and cancers.
What Health Risk is Associated with People With Dark Eyes?
The health risk associated with people with dark eyes may be developing cataracts. Dark eyes may be able to take in more light, heating the lens of the eye as a result according to the Vision Eye Institute. An Australian study noted that certain types of cataracts were 2.5 times more likely to occur in individuals with dark brown eyes. According to the Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, vision problems such as myopia-related refractive errors were found to be associated with medium and dark brown eye colours.
What Does a Hazel Eye Colour Predict About Your Health?
Hazel eye colours may potentially predict the likelihood of having a higher risk of skin cancer. According to the journal, Cancer Causes and Control, light-coloured eyes can be linked with squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma which are two common forms of skin cancer. These two types of skin cancers are mainly caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light. Hazel eye colours can be categorised as hazel green and hazel brown as they can often be characterised as a mix of colours. Hazel eyes are considered rare with just 5% of the world’s population having them according to the Vision Centre. Hazel-coloured eyes get their appearance due to the phenomenon of rayleigh scattering, the same reason we get blue skies according to Science Direct. The scattering of light particles in the eye is a result of hazel eyes containing low melanin according to My Vision.
What Health Risks Come Along with Having Blue and Green Eyes?
The health risks that come along with having blue and green eyes are the likelihood of developing skin cancers as well as ocular melanoma. According to All About Vision, green eyes are one of the rarest eye colours with only 2% of the world’s population having them. Of the world’s population, 8-10% have blue eyes. According to the National Library of Medicine, the occurrence of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma has increased in the past three decades. Having light pigment was found as a risk factor, although the definitive conclusion that there are links between eye colours and cancers remains inconsistent. Additionally, it was found that within the Polish population, there are significant risk factors for developing ocular melanoma which can include atypical iris nevi, blue and green eyes and fair skin tone according to J. Dabkowski, A. Omulecki, A. Zalewska in their paper for Dermatologic Surgery.
Do People With Dark Green Eyes Have Health Problems?
Yes and no, people with green eyes may have a higher risk of health problems such as certain eye cancers as a consequence of possessing low melanin. Individuals with green-coloured eyes commonly have fair skin, which can pose a higher risk for skin cancers according to My Vision. However, like all other eye colours, dark green eyes do not inherently cause health problems. According to the American Optometric Association, green eyes are a rare eye colour as they are actually a shade of brown due to the melanin in the iris. As a result of the different ways light can be reflected off the melanin, it can create the illusion of green and blue colours. While there are some studies that present links between eye colour and health conditions and health risks, they cannot be confirmed. You should always consult with a doctor or optometrist when you have any health concerns.
How Accurate is Predicting Health Problems Through Eye Colour and Shape?
It is not very accurate to predict health problems through eye colour and shape as health problems can be triggered by a variety of causes and genetic factors or even other present conditions. Environment and diet may also largely contribute to certain health problems and still require specific diagnostic methods to confirm. Therefore, it is not advisable to rely on eye colour and shape to predict health problems.
Can Having Blood Sugar Problems be Detected Through Eye Colour?
No, having blood sugar problems cannot be detected through eye colour. Blood sugar or also referred to as blood glucose, is measured and evaluated through blood tests. Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) problems may include dizziness, sweating, feeling tired and feeling hungry according to the National Health Service. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can include increased hunger or thirst, frequent need to urinate, blurred vision and headaches.
Can Glaucoma be Identified Through Eye Colour and Shape?
No, glaucoma cannot be identified through eye colour and shape. In order to identify glaucoma, a series of different testing methods must be conducted, such as an angle exam, dilated eye exam, measurement of corneal thickness, optic nerve imaging, eye pressure and a visual field test. Symptoms of glaucoma may include, abrupt and intense eye pain, blurred vision, headaches and nausea and vomiting according to the Health Direct. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from your optometrist or doctor.