Human eye color: Difference between revisions

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{{Image|Iris close-up.jpg|right|175px|Image of a human eye.}}  
{{Image|Iris close-up.jpg|right|175px|Image of a human eye.}}  
'''Eye color''' is a [[polygenic]] [[phenotypic character]], determined mainly by the amount and type of [[pigment]]s in the [[eye]]'s [[Iris (anatomy)|iris]].<ref name=Wielgus>{{cite journal |author=Wielgus AR, Sarna T |title=Melanin in human irides of different color and age of donors |journal=Pigment Cell Res |volume=18  |pages=454–64 |year=2005  |pmid=16280011 }}</ref><ref name=Prota>{{cite journal |author=Prota G ''et al.''|title=Characterization of melanins in human irides and cultured uveal melanocytes from eyes of different colors |journal=Exp Eye Res |volume=67 |pages=293–9 |year=1998 |pmid=9778410}}</ref> Humans and other animals have many [[phenotypic]] variations in eye color, as blue, brown, gray, green and others.


'''Eye color''' is a [[polygenic]] [[phenotypic character]] and is determined by the amount and type of [[pigment]]s in the [[eye]]'s [[Iris (anatomy)|iris]].<ref name=Wielgus>{{cite journal |author=Wielgus AR, Sarna T |title=Melanin in human irides of different color and age of donors |journal=Pigment Cell Res. |volume=18  |pages=454–64 |year=2005  |pmid=16280011 |doi=10.1111/j.1600-0749.2005.00268.x }}</ref><ref name=Prota>{{cite journal |author=Prota G ''et al.''|title=Characterization of melanins in human irides and cultured uveal melanocytes from eyes of different colors |journal=Exp Eye Res. |volume=67 |pages=293–9 |year=1998 |pmid=9778410 |doi=10.1006/exer.1998.0518 }}</ref> Humans and other animals have many [[phenotypic]] variations in eye color, as blue, brown, gray, green and others. These variations constitute [[phenotypic trait]]s.
Many different genes are involved in determining eye color; they include ''EYCL1'' (a green/blue eye-color gene on chromosome 19), ''EYCL2'' (a brown eye-color gene) and ''EYCL3'' (a brown/blue eye-color gene  on chromosome 15). The old view that blue eye color is a simple [[recessive trait]] is wrong.  


Many different genes are involved in determining eye color. Some of the eye-color genes include ''EYCL1'' (a green/blue eye-color gene on chromosome 19), ''EYCL2'' (a brown eye-color gene) and ''EYCL3'' (a brown/blue eye-color gene  on chromosome 15). The once-held view that blue eye color is a simple [[recessive trait]] is wrong. The genetics of eye color are so complex that almost any parent-child combination of eye colors can occur.<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070222180729.htm No Single Gene For Eye Color, Researchers Prove]</ref><ref>http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=25003</ref>
[[Human eye]]s differ in color mainly because of different ratios of [[eumelanin]] produced by [[melanocytes]] in the iris.<ref name=Prota/> The brightly colored eyes of many birds are largely determined by other pigments, such as [[pteridine]]s, [[purine]]s, and [[carotenoid]]s.<ref name="Oliphant 1">{{cite journal |author=Oliphant LW |title=Pteridines and purines as major pigments of the avian iris |journal=Pigment Cell Res |volume=1  |pages=129–31 |year=1987 |pmid=3507666}}</ref>


In [[human eye]]s, color variations are the consequence of different ratios of [[eumelanin]] produced by [[melanocytes]] in the iris.<ref name=Prota/> The brightly colored eyes of many bird species are largely determined by other pigments, such as [[pteridine]]s, [[purine]]s, and [[carotenoid]]s.<ref name="Oliphant 1">{{cite journal |author=Oliphant LW |title=Pteridines and purines as major pigments of the avian iris |journal=Pigment Cell Res |volume=1  |pages=129–31 |year=1987 |pmid=3507666 |doi=10.1111/j.1600-0749.1987.tb00401.x }}</ref>
Three main elements within the iris contribute to its color: the melanin content of the iris pigment [[epithelium]], the melanin content within the [[iris stroma]], and the cellular density of the stroma.<ref name="Wang">Wang H ''et al.'' (2005) [http://research.microsoft.com/~stevelin/iris.pdf "Separating reflections in human iris images for illumination estimation."] Proc IEEE Int Conf Computer Vision</ref> In eyes of all colors, the iris pigment epithelium contains the black pigment, eumelanin.<ref name=Prota/><ref name=Wang/> Color variations among different irides are typically attributed to the melanin content within the iris stroma. The density of cells within the stroma affects how much light is absorbed by the underlying pigment epithelium.<ref name=Wang/> [[OCA2]] gene polymorphism, close to proximal [[5' end|5′]] regulatory region, explains most human eye-color variation.<ref name=OCA2>{{cite journal |author=Duffy DL ''et al.'' |title=A three-single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotype in intron 1 of OCA2 explains most human eye-color variation |journal=Am J Hum Genet |volume=80 |pages=241–52|year=2007 |pmid=17236130}}</ref>


Three main elements within the iris contribute to its color: the melanin content of the iris pigment [[epithelium]], the melanin content within the [[iris stroma]], and the cellular density of the iris stroma.<ref name="Wang">Huiqiong Wang, Stephen Lin, Xiaopei Liu, Sing Bing Kang. [http://research.microsoft.com/~stevelin/iris.pdf "Separating Reflections in Human Iris Images for Illumination Estimation."] Proc. IEEE International Conference on Computer Vision, 2005.</ref> In eyes of all colors, the iris pigment epithelium contains the black pigment, eumelanin.<ref name=Prota/><ref name=Wang/> Color variations among different irides are typically attributed to the melanin content within the iris stroma.<ref name="Wang"/> The density of cells within the stroma affects how much light is absorbed by the underlying pigment epithelium.<ref name=Wang/> [[OCA2]] gene polymorphism, close to proximal [[5' end|5′]] regulatory region, explains most human eye-color variation.<ref name=OCA2>{{cite journal |author=Duffy DL ''et al.'' |title=A three-single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotype in intron 1 of OCA2 explains most human eye-color variation |journal=Am J Hum Genet |volume=80  |pages=241–52 |year=2007 |pmid=17236130 |pmc=1785344}}</ref>
== Genes for eye color ==
 
In humans, the most common eye color is brown, and the least common is green. Eye color is an inherited trait influenced by more than one [[gene]].<ref name=Sturm>{{cite journal |author=Sturm RA, Frudakis TN |title=Eye colour: portals into pigmentation genes and ancestry |journal=Trends Genet |volume=20  |pages=327–32 |year=2004 |pmid=15262401}}</ref><ref name=Grant>{{cite journal |author=Grant MD, Lauderdale DS |title=Cohort effects in a genetically determined trait: eye colour among US whites |journal=Ann Hum Biol |volume=29 |pages=657–66 |year=2002 |pmid=12573082}}</ref> Individuals differ in eye color mainly because of very slight differences in the genes that determine eye color; these genetic differences in individual genes are [[single nucleotide polymorphisms]] (SNP)s. The number of genes that contribute to eye color is currently unknown, but it is possible to predict the color of eyes with more than 90% accuracy for brown and blue, using just six SNPs (from six genes).
== Genetic determination of eye color ==
Eye colors range from the most common color, brown, to the least common, green. Eye color is an inherited trait influenced by more than one [[gene]].<ref name=Sturm>{{cite journal |author=Sturm RA, Frudakis TN |title=Eye colour: portals into pigmentation genes and ancestry |journal=Trends Genet |volume=20  |pages=327–32 |year=2004 |pmid=15262401 |doi=10.1016/j.tig.2004.06.010 |url=http://www.biosci.ohio-state.edu/~pfuerst/courses/eeobmg640/reading1eyecolor.pdf}}</ref><ref name=Grant>{{cite journal |author=Grant MD, Lauderdale DS |title=Cohort effects in a genetically determined trait: eye colour among US whites |journal=Ann. Hum. Biol. |volume=29 |issue=6 |pages=657–66 |year=2002 |pmid=12573082 |doi=10.1080/03014460210157394 }}</ref> These genes are being sought using associations to small changes in the genes themselves and in neighboring genes. These changes are known as [[single nucleotide polymorphisms]] or SNPs. The actual number of genes that contribute to eye color is currently unknown, but there are a few likely candidates. A study in [[Rotterdam]] (2009) found that it was possible to predict the color of eyes with more than 90% accuracy for brown and blue, using just six SNPs (from six genes).
<ref>[http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126992.100-dna-test-for-eye-colour-could-help-fight-crime.html "DNA test for eye colour could help fight crime"], ''New Scientist'' 14 March 2009.
<ref>[http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126992.100-dna-test-for-eye-colour-could-help-fight-crime.html "DNA test for eye colour could help fight crime"], ''New Scientist'' 14 March 2009.
{{cite journal |author=Fan Liu ''et al.'' |title=Eye color and the prediction of complex phenotypes from genotypes |journal=[[Current Biology]] |volume=19 |pages=R192–R193  |doi=10.1016/j.cub.2009.01.027 |url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VRT-4VT0BCK-B&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=54b555b22ad247b14c52eefca5927645 |pmid=19278628}}</ref>
{{cite journal |author=Fan Liu ''et al.'' |title=Eye color and the prediction of complex phenotypes from genotypes |journal=Curr Biol |volume=19 |pages=R192–3 |pmid=19278628}}</ref>


The gene ''OCA2'' ({{OMIM3|203200}}), when in a variant form, causes the pink eye color and [[hypopigmentation]] common in human [[albinism]]. (The name of the gene is derived from the disorder it causes, oculocutaneous albinism type II.) Different SNPs within ''OCA2'' are strongly associated with blue and green eyes as well as variations in [[freckling]], [[Mole (skin marking)|mole]] counts, [[hair color|hair]] and [[Human skin color|skin tone]]. The polymorphisms may be in an ''OCA2'' [[regulatory sequence]], where they may influence the expression of the gene product, which in turn affects pigmentation.<ref name=OCA2/> A specific mutation within the ''HERC2'' gene, a gene that regulates ''OCA2'' expression, is partly responsible for blue eyes.<ref name=Kayser>{{cite journal |author=Kayser M, Liu F, Janssens AC, ''et al.'' |title=Three genome-wide association studies and a linkage analysis identify HERC2 as a human iris color gene |journal=Am. J. Hum. Genet. |volume=82 |issue=2 |pages=411–23 |year=2008 |month=February |pmid=18252221 |pmc=2427174 |doi=10.1016/j.ajhg.2007.10.003 }}</ref> Other genes implicated in eye color variation are: ''SLC24A4'' <ref name=Sulem>{{cite journal |author=Sulem P, Gudbjartsson DF, Stacey SN, ''et al.'' |title=Genetic determinants of hair, eye and skin pigmentation in Europeans |journal=Nat. Genet. |volume=39 |issue=12 |pages=1443–52 |year=2007 |month=December |pmid=17952075 |doi=10.1038/ng.2007.13 }}</ref> and ''TYR''.<ref name=Sulem/>
One variant of the gene ''OCA2'' causes the pink eye color and [[hypopigmentation]] common in human [[albinism]]. (The name of the gene is derived from the disorder it causes, oculocutaneous albinism type II.) Different [[SNP]]s within ''OCA2'' are strongly associated with blue and green eyes as well as variations in [[freckling]], [[Mole (skin marking)|mole]] counts, [[hair color|hair]] and [[Human skin color|skin tone]]. The polymorphisms may be in an ''OCA2'' [[regulatory sequence]], where they may influence the expression of the gene product, which in turn affects pigmentation.<ref name=OCA2/> A specific mutation within the ''HERC2'' gene, a gene that regulates ''OCA2'' expression, is partly responsible for blue eyes.<ref name=Kayser>{{cite journal |author=Kayser M ''et al.'' |title=Three genome-wide association studies and a linkage analysis identify HERC2 as a human iris color gene |journal=Am J Hum Genet |volume=82 |pages=411–23 |year=2008 |pmid=18252221 }}</ref> Other genes implicated in eye color variation are: ''SLC24A4'' <ref name=Sulem>{{cite journal |author=Sulem P ''et al.'' |title=Genetic determinants of hair, eye and skin pigmentation in Europeans |journal=Nat Genet |volume=39|pages=1443–52 |year=2007 |pmid=17952075 }}</ref> and ''TYR''.<ref name=Sulem/>


Blue eyes with a brown spot, green eyes and gray eyes are caused by an entirely different part of the genome. As Eiberg said: "The SNP rs12913832 [of the ''Herc2'' gene] is found to be associated with the brown and blue eye color, but this single DNA variation cannot explain all the brown eye color variation from dark brown over hazel to blue eyes with brown spots."
Blue eyes with a brown spot, green eyes and gray eyes are caused by an entirely different part of the genome. The SNP rs12913832 [of the ''Herc2'' gene] is associated with the brown and blue eye color, but this single variation does not explain all the brown eye color variation.


== Classification of color ==
== Classification of color ==
Iris color can provide a large amount of information about an individual, and a classification of various colors may be useful in documenting pathological changes or determining how a person may respond to various ocular pharmaceuticals.<ref name=German>{{cite journal |author=German EJ, Hurst MA, Wood D, Gilchrist J |title=A novel system for the objective classification of iris colour and its correlation with response to 1% tropicamide |journal=Ophthalmic Physiol Opt |volume=18 |issue=2 |pages=103–10 |year=1998 |month=March |pmid=9692029 |url=http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/resolve/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=0275-5408&date=1998&volume=18&issue=2&spage=103 |doi=10.1016/S0275-5408(97)00070-7}}</ref> Various classification systems have ranged from a basic light or dark description to detailed gradings employing photographic standards for comparison.<ref name=German/> Others have attempted to set objective standards of color comparison.<ref name=Fan>Fan S, Dyer CR, Hubbard L. [http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~shaohua/research/iris/IrisColor_files/IrisTr1495.pdf Quantification and Correction of Iris Color."] Technical report 1495, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dec, 2003.</ref>
Iris color can provide a large amount of information about an individual, and a classification of various colors may be useful in documenting pathological changes or determining how a person may respond to various ocular pharmaceuticals.<ref name=German>{{cite journal |author=German EJ ''et al.'' |title=A novel system for the objective classification of iris colour and its correlation with response to 1% tropicamide |journal=Ophthalmic Physiol Opt |volume=18 |pages=103–10 |year=1998 |pmid=9692029 }}</ref> Various classification systems have ranged from a basic light or dark description to detailed gradings employing photographic standards for comparison.<ref name=German/> Others have attempted to set objective standards of color comparison.<ref name=Fan>Fan S ''et al.'' [http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~shaohua/research/iris/IrisColor_files/IrisTr1495.pdf Quantification and Correction of Iris Color."] Technical report 1495, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dec, 2003.</ref>


As the [[color vision|perception of color]] depends on viewing conditions (e.g., the amount and kind of illumination, as well as the hue of the surrounding environment), so does the perception of eye color.<ref>[http://www.edromanguitars.com/tech/color.htm Color Perception]</ref><!--a better citation or link may be available for this assertion-->
Eye colors range from dark brown to light blue.<ref name=Sturm/> Seddon ''et al.'' developed a graded system based on the predominant iris color and the amount of brown or yellow pigment present.<ref name=Seddon>{{cite journal |title=Evaluation of an iris color classification system |journal=[[Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science]] |last=Seddon |first=JM |coauthors=''et al.''|volume=31 |pages=1592–8 |publisher=Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology |date=1990|pmid=2201662 }}</ref> Three pigment colors (brown, yellow, and blue) determine the appearance of the iris: . Green irides, for example, have blue and some yellow. Eye color in animals other than ''[[Homo sapiens]]'' is differently regulated. For example, [[autosomal]] [[recessive]] eye color in the skink species: ''[[Corucia zebrata]]'' is black, and the autosomal [[Dominance (genetics)|dominant]] color is yellow-green.<ref>Jones SL, Schnirel BL (2006) Subspecies comparison of the Genus: Corucia'', Leeway Corucia Research Center - LCRC, Polyphemos 4:1–25</ref>
 
Eye colors range from the darkest shades of brown to the lightest tints of blue.<ref name=Sturm/> To meet the need for standardized classification, at once simple yet detailed enough for research purposes, Seddon et al. developed a graded system based on the predominant iris color and the amount of brown or yellow pigment present.<ref name=Seddon>{{cite journal |title=Evaluation of an iris color classification system |journal=[[Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science]] |last=Seddon |first=J.M. |coauthors=CR Sahagian, RJ Glynn, RD Sperduto and ES Gragoudas |volume=31 |pages=1592–8 |publisher=Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology |date=1 August 1990|url=http://www.iovs.org/cgi/content/abstract/31/8/1592 |accessdate=2009-05-04 |pmid=2201662 |issue=8 }}</ref> There are three pigment colors that determine, depending on their proportion, the outward appearance of the iris: brown, yellow, and blue. Green irides, for example, have blue and some yellow. Brown irides contain mostly brown. Eye color in animals other than ''[[Homo sapiens]]'' are differently regulated. For example, instead of blue as in humans, [[autosomal]] [[recessive]] eye color in the skink species: ''[[Corucia zebrata]]'' is black, and the autosomal [[Dominance (genetics)|dominant]] color is yellow-green.<ref>Jones, S.L., Schnirel, B.L., ''Subspecies comparison of the Genus: Corucia'', Leeway Corucia Research Center - LCRC, Polyphemos, {2006} Volume 4, Issue 1. pp. 1–25.</ref>
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==Changes in eye color throughout life==
==Changes in eye color throughout life==
In all populations, children are usually born with unpigmented eyes. As they develop, melanocytes (cells found within the iris, as well as skin and hair follicles) slowly begin to produce melanin. Because melanocytes continually produce pigment, eye color can change.  Most changes happen when the infant is around one year old, but it can happen up to three years of age.<ref>[http://j-sallabouteyes.wetpaint.com Aluzri, Shan Z., All About Eyes.], retrieved on june, 1, 2009.</ref>  Observing the iris of an infant from the side using only transmitted light with no reflection from the back of the iris, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of low levels of melanin.  An iris that appears blue by this method is more likely to remain blue as the infant ages.  An iris that appears golden contains some melanin, and is likely to turn green or brown with age.   
Children are usually born with unpigmented eyes. As they develop, melanocytes within the iris slowly begin to produce melanin. Because melanocytes continually produce pigment, eye color can change.  Most changes happen when the infant is about one year old, but it can happen up to three years of age. Observing the iris of an infant from the side using only transmitted light with no reflection from the back of the iris, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of low levels of melanin.  An iris that appears blue by this method is more likely to remain blue as the infant ages.  An iris that appears golden contains some melanin, and is likely to turn green or brown with age.   


Lightening or darkening of eye color can occur during puberty, early childhood, pregnancy, and sometimes after serious trauma (like [[heterochromia]]).  
Lightening or darkening of eye color can occur during puberty, early childhood, pregnancy, and sometimes after serious trauma (like [[heterochromia]]).  


Studies on twins have shown that eye color can change over time, and major demelanization of the iris may also be genetically determined. Most changes have been observed or reported in the Caucasian population with hazel eyes.<ref>[http://archopht.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/115/5/659 Arch Ophthalmol]</ref>
Studies on twins have shown that eye color can change over time, and major demelanization of the iris may also be genetically determined. Most changes have been observed or reported in the Caucasian population with hazel eyes.<ref>[http://archopht.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/115/5/659 Arch Ophthalmol]</ref>
== Eye color chart (Martin-Schultz scale) ==
[[Carleton S. Coon|Carleton Coon]] created this chart by the Martin-Schultz scale often used in [[physical anthropology]].
<ol style="list-style-type:upper-roman">
<li>Light eyes</li>
Eyes light and light mixed are 16-12 in Martin scale.
;Light: Gray, blue, green.
;Light-mixed:
<ol style="list-style-type:lower-latin">
<li>Very light-mixed (blue with gray or green, or green with gray)</li>
<li>Light-mixed (light or very light-mixed with small admixture of brown pigment)</li>
</ol>
<li>Mixed eyes</li>
;Mixed: 12-6 in Martin scale. Mixture of light eyes (blue, gray or green) with brown pigment when light and brown pigment are the same level.
<li>Dark eyes</li>
;Dark-mixed: 6-4 in Martin scale. Brown with small admixture of light pigment.
;Dark: 4-1 in Martin scale. Brown (light brown and dark brown) and very dark brown (almost black).
</ol>
{{-}}


===Amber===
===Amber===
Amber eyes are of a solid color and have a strong yellowish/golden and russet/coppery tint.  This might be due to the deposition of the yellow pigment called [[lipochrome]] in the iris (which is also found in green eyes).<ref>[http://www.hhmi.org/cgi-bin/askascientist/highlight.pl?kw=&file=answers%2Fgenetics%2Fans_044.html Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Ask A Scientist]</ref><ref>[http://www.eyecarecontacts.com/eyecolor.html Eye Color<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Amber eyes should not be confused with hazel eyes; although hazel eyes may contain specks of amber or gold, they usually tend to comprise many other colors, including green, brown and orange. Also, hazel eyes may appear to shift in color and consist of flecks and ripples, while amber eyes are of a solid gold hue. Even though amber is considered to be like gold, some people have russet or copper colored amber eyes which many people mistake for hazel, though hazel tends to be duller and contains green with red/gold flecks, like mentioned above. Amber eyes may also contain amounts of very light gold-ish gray, found in animals like wolves.
Amber eyes are of a solid color and have a strong yellowish/golden and russet/coppery tint.  This might be due to the yellow pigment called [[lipochrome]] in the iris (which is also found in green eyes). Amber eyes should not be confused with hazel eyes; hazel eyes usually comprise many other colors, including green, brown and orange and consist of flecks and ripples, while amber eyes are of a solid gold hue.  


The eyes of some pigeons contain yellow fluorescing pigments known as [[pteridine]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Oliphant LW |title=Observations on the pigmentation of the pigeon iris |journal=Pigment Cell Res. |volume=1 |issue=3 |pages=202–8 |year=1987 |pmid=3508278 |doi=10.1111/j.1600-0749.1987.tb00414.x }}</ref> The bright yellow eyes of the [[Great Horned Owl]] are thought to be due to the presence of the pteridine pigment [[xanthopterin]] within certain [[chromatophore]]s (called xanthophores) located in the iris stroma.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Oliphant LW |title=Crystalline pteridines in the stromal pigment cells of the iris of the great horned owl |journal=Cell Tissue Res. |volume=217 |issue=2 |pages=387–95 |year=1981 |pmid=7237534 |doi=10.1007/BF00233588 }}</ref> In humans, yellowish specks or patches are thought to be due to the pigment [[lipofuscin]], also known as lipochrome.<ref name=Lefohn/> Many animals such as canines, domestic cats, owls, eagles, pigeons and fish have amber eyes as a common color, whereas in humans this color occurs less frequently, more in places like Brazil and Asia.  
The eyes of some pigeons contain yellow fluorescing pigments known as [[pteridine]]s.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Oliphant LW |title=Observations on the pigmentation of the pigeon iris |journal=Pigment Cell Res |volume=1 |pages=202–8 |year=1987 |pmid=3508278}}</ref> The bright yellow eyes of the [[Great Horned Owl]] are thought to be due to the presence of the pteridine pigment [[xanthopterin]] within certain [[chromatophore]]s (called xanthophores) in the iris stroma.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Oliphant LW |title=Crystalline pteridines in the stromal pigment cells of the iris of the great horned owl |journal=Cell Tiss Res |volume=217 |pages=387–95 |year=1981 |pmid=7237534 }}</ref> In humans, yellowish specks or patches are thought to be due to the pigment [[lipofuscin]], also known as lipochrome.<ref name=Lefohn/> In dogs, domestic cats, owls, eagles, pigeons and fish, amber eyes are common, whereas in humans this color occurs less frequently, more in places like Brazil and Asia.
{{-}}


===Blue===
===Blue===
Blue eyes contain low amounts of [[melanin]] within the iris stroma; longer wavelengths of light tend to be absorbed by the underlying iris pigment epithelium, and shorter wavelengths are reflected and undergo [[Rayleigh scattering]].<ref name="Wang"/> The type of melanin present is eumelanin.<ref name=Menon>{{cite journal |author=Menon IA, Basu PK, Persad S, Avaria M, Felix CC, Kalyanaraman B |title=Is there any difference in the photobiological properties of melanins isolated from human blue and brown eyes? |journal=Br J Ophthalmol |volume=71 |issue=7 |pages=549–52 |year=1987 |month=July |pmid=2820463 |pmc=1041224 |url=http://bjo.bmj.com/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=2820463 |doi=10.1136/bjo.71.7.549}}</ref> The inheritance pattern followed by blue eyes is considered similar to that of a [[recessive]] trait (in general, eye color inheritance is considered a [[polygenic trait]], meaning that it is controlled by the interactions of several genes, not just one).<ref name=Grant/> In 2008, new research revealed that people with blue eyes have a single common ancestor. Scientists tracked down a genetic mutation that leads to blue eyes. "Originally, we all had brown eyes," said Hans Eiberg from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the [[University of Copenhagen]].<ref name="msnbc.msn.com">{{cite news|first=Jeanna|last=Bryner|title= Genetic mutation makes those brown eyes blue|publisher=[[MSNBC]]|date=2008-01-31|accessdate=2009-10-19|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22934464/}}</ref> Eiberg and colleagues showed in a study published in ''Human Genetics'' that a mutation in the 86th [[intron]] of the ''[[HERC2]]'' gene, which is hypothesized to interact with the ''OCA2'' gene [[Promoter (biology)|promoter]], reduced expression of ''OCA2'' with subsequent reduction in melanin production.<ref name="blue mutation">{{cite journal |author=Eiberg H, Troelsen J, Nielsen M, ''et al.'' |title=Blue eye color in humans may be caused by a perfectly associated founder mutation in a regulatory element located within the HERC2 gene inhibiting OCA2 expression |journal=Hum. Genet. |volume=123 |issue=2 |pages=177–87 |year=2008 |month=March |pmid=18172690 |doi=10.1007/s00439-007-0460-x |url=http://www.springerlink.com/content/2045q6234h66p744/fulltext.html}}</ref> The authors concluded that the mutation may have arisen in a single individual in the [[Near East]] or around the [[Black Sea]] region 6,000–10,000 years ago during the [[Neolithic revolution]].<ref name=msnbc.msn.com/><ref name="blue mutation"/><ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/3323607/Blue-eyes-result-of-ancient-genetic-mutation.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=Blue eyes result of ancient genetic 'mutation' | first=Roger | last=Highfield | date=2008-01-30}}</ref> Eiberg stated, "A genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene in our chromosomes resulted in the creation of a 'switch,' which literally 'turned off' the ability to produce brown eyes."<blockquote>The genetic switch is located in the gene adjacent to OCA2 and rather than completely turning off the gene, the switch limits its action, which reduces the production of melanin in the iris. In effect, the turned-down switch diluted brown eyes to blue. If the OCA2 gene had been completely shut down, our hair, eyes and skin would be melanin-less, a condition known as [[albinism]].<ref name=msnbc.msn.com/></blockquote>
Blue eyes contain low amounts of [[melanin]] within the iris stroma; longer wavelengths of light tend to be absorbed by the underlying iris pigment epithelium, and shorter wavelengths are reflected and undergo [[Rayleigh scattering]].<ref name="Wang"/> The type of melanin present is eumelanin.<ref name=Menon>{{cite journal |author=Menon IA ''et al.'' |title=Is there any difference in the photobiological properties of melanins isolated from human blue and brown eyes? |journal=Br J Ophthalmol |volume=71 |pages=549–52 |year=1987 |pmid=2820463}}</ref> The inheritance pattern followed by blue eyes is considered similar to that of a [[recessive]] trait (in general, eye color inheritance is considered a [[polygenic trait]], meaning that it is controlled by the interactions of several genes, not just one).<ref name=Grant/> In 2008, new research revealed that people with blue eyes have a single common ancestor. Scientists tracked down a genetic mutation that leads to blue eyes. "Originally, we all had brown eyes," said Hans Eiberg from the [[University of Copenhagen]].<ref name="msnbc.msn.com">{{cite news|first=Jeanna|last=Bryner|title= Genetic mutation makes those brown eyes blue|publisher=[[MSNBC]]|date=2008-01-31|accessdate=2009-10-19|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22934464/}}</ref> Eiberg and colleagues showed in a study published in ''Human Genetics'' that a mutation in the 86th [[intron]] of the ''[[HERC2]]'' gene, which is hypothesized to interact with the ''OCA2'' gene [[Promoter (biology)|promoter]], reduced expression of ''OCA2'' with subsequent reduction in melanin production.<ref name="blue mutation">{{cite journal |author=Eiberg H ''et al.'' |title=Blue eye color in humans may be caused by a perfectly associated founder mutation in a regulatory element located within the HERC2 gene inhibiting OCA2 expression |journal=Hum Genet |volume=123 |pages=177–87 |year=2008 |pmid=18172690 }}</ref> The authors concluded that the mutation may have arisen in a single individual in the [[Near East]] or around the [[Black Sea]] region 6,000–10,000 years ago during the [[Neolithic revolution]].<ref name=msnbc.msn.com/><ref name="blue mutation"/><ref name="telegraph.co.uk">{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/3323607/Blue-eyes-result-of-ancient-genetic-mutation.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=Blue eyes result of ancient genetic 'mutation' | first=Roger | last=Highfield | date=2008-01-30}}</ref> Eiberg stated, "A genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene in our chromosomes resulted in the creation of a 'switch,' which literally 'turned off' the ability to produce brown eyes."


Blue eyes are most common in [[Northern Europe]] and [[Central Europe]] and to a lesser degree in [[Southern Europe]] ([[Spain]] and [[Portugal]] are best examples, where 1-49% of the people are blue-eyed, through migration of Northern European and Central European settlers)<!--Blue eyes in Southern Europe mostly came from Northern European and Central European settlers--> and [[Central Asia|southern Central Asia]]; [[Afghanistan]] and [[Pakistan]] are a notable example.<ref>[http://carnby.altervista.org/troe/08-05.htm Pigmentation, the Pilous System, and Morphology of the Soft Parts<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> They are also found in parts of [[North Africa]],<ref name=Berber>[[q:Berber people]]</ref> [[West Asia]], and [[South Asia]],<ref name="Herbert Risley 1999">Herbert Risley, William Crooke, The People of India, (1999)</ref> in particular the northern areas of [[India]], largely [[Kashmir]]. [[Pakistan]] and [[Iran]] also have a considerable population of blue eyed people.
<blockquote>"The genetic switch is located in the gene adjacent to OCA2 and rather than completely turning off the gene, the switch limits its action, which reduces the production of melanin in the iris. In effect, the turned-down switch diluted brown eyes to blue. If the OCA2 gene had been completely shut down, our hair, eyes and skin would be melanin-less, a condition known as [[albinism]]".<ref name=msnbc.msn.com/></blockquote>


A 2002 study found that the prevalence of blue eye color among Caucasians in the United States to be 33.8 percent for those born from 1936 through 1951 compared with 57.4 percent for those born from 1899 through 1905.<ref name=Grant/> Blue eyes have become increasingly rare among American children, with only one out of every six or 16.6%, which is 49.8&nbsp;million out of 300&nbsp;million (22.4% of white Americans) of the total United States population having blue eyes.<ref name=BlueBrown>[http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2006/10/17/dont_it_make_my_blue_eyes_brown/ Don't it make my blue eyes brown]</ref><ref name=BostonGlobe>{{cite web |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-7981364.html |title=Don't it make my blue eyes brown Americans are seeing a dramatic color change — The Boston Globe &#124; Encyclopedia.com }}</ref> The plunge in the past few decades has taken place at a remarkable rate. A century ago, 80 percent of people married within their ethnic group. Blue eyes were routinely passed down, especially among people of Western and [[Northern European]] ancestry.<ref name=BlueBrown/><ref name=BostonGlobe/><ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/10/18/news/web.1018eyes.php Blue eyes are increasingly rare in America]</ref>
Blue eyes are most common in Northern and Central Europe.<ref>[http://carnby.altervista.org/troe/08-05.htm Pigmentation, the Pilous System, and Morphology of the Soft Parts<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> They are also found in parts of [[North Africa]],<ref name=Berber>[[q:Berber people]]</ref> [[West Asia]], and [[South Asia]],<ref name="Herbert Risley 1999">Herbert Risley, William Crooke, The People of India, (1999)</ref> in particular the northern areas of [[India]], largely [[Kashmir]]. Pakistan and Iran also have a considerable population of blue-eyed people.


The outer surface of the iris of a blue-eyed person is actually clear, lacking the outer layer of pigmentation that is found in brown eyes. Their color is caused by the inner layer of pigmentation and the semi-opaque fibrous tissues that lie between the two layers.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Mason |first=Clyde |year=1924 |month=January |title= |journal=Journal of Physical Chemistry |volume=28 |issue=5 |pages=498–501 |doi=10.1021/j150239a007 |url=http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/j150239a007 |accessdate=2009-04-17 |quote=...the various shades [of blue eyes] are due to the dark inner layer of pigment—the ''uvea''—showing through fibrous structures of different densities or degrees of opacity.}}</ref>
A 2002 study found that the prevalence of blue eyes among Caucasians in the U.S.A. to be 33.8 percent for those born between 1936 and 1951 compared with 57.4 percent for those born between 1899 and 1905.<ref name=Grant/> Blue eyes have become increasingly rare among American children, with only one out of every six or 16.6%, which is 49.8&nbsp;million out of 300&nbsp;million (22.4% of white Americans) of the total U.S. population with blue eyes.<ref name=BlueBrown>[http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2006/10/17/dont_it_make_my_blue_eyes_brown/ Don't it make my blue eyes brown]</ref><ref name=BostonGlobe>{{cite web |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-7981364.html |title=Don't it make my blue eyes brown Americans are seeing a dramatic color change — The Boston Globe &#124; Encyclopedia.com }}</ref> The plunge in the past few decades has taken place at a remarkable rate. A century ago, 80 percent of people married within their ethnic group. Blue eyes were routinely passed down, especially among people of Western and Northern European ancestry.<ref name=BlueBrown/><ref name=BostonGlobe/><ref>[http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/10/18/news/web.1018eyes.php Blue eyes are increasingly rare in America]</ref>
 
The outer surface of the iris of a blue-eyed person is clear, lacking the outer layer of pigmentation that is found in brown eyes. Their color is caused by the inner layer of pigmentation and the semi-opaque fibrous tissues that lie between the two layers.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Mason |first=C|year=1924 |title= |journal=J Phys Chem |volume=28|pages=498–501 |doi=10.1021/j150239a007 |url=http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/j150239a007 |accessdate=2009-04-17 |quote=...the various shades [of blue eyes] are due to the dark inner layer of pigment—the ''uvea''—showing through fibrous structures of different densities or degrees of opacity.}}</ref>


===Brown===
===Brown===
Brown eyes are dominant in humans<ref>{{cite journal |author=Eiberg H, Mohr J |title=Assignment of genes coding for brown eye colour (BEY2) and brown hair colour (HCL3) on chromosome 15q |journal=Eur. J. Hum. Genet. |volume=4 |issue=4 |pages=237–41 |year=1996 |pmid=8875191 }}</ref> and in many parts of the world, it is nearly the only iris color present.<ref>{{OMIM|227220|SKIN/HAIR/EYE PIGMENTATION, VARIATION IN, 1; SHEP1}}</ref> It is less common in countries around the [[Baltic Sea]] and in [[Scandinavia]]. Dark pigment of brown eyes are most common in [[East Asia]], [[Southeast Asia]], [[South Asia]], [[West Asia]], [[Oceania]], [[Africa]], and throughout the [[Americas]]. {{Citation needed|date=July 2010}}.
Brown eyes are dominant in humans<ref>{{cite journal |author=Eiberg H, Mohr J |title=Assignment of genes coding for brown eye colour (BEY2) and brown hair colour (HCL3) on chromosome 15q |journal=Eur J Hum Genet |volume=4 |pages=237–41 |year=1996 |pmid=8875191 }}</ref> and, in many parts of the world, it is nearly the only eye color. It is least common in countries around the [[Baltic Sea]] and in [[Scandinavia]]. Brown eyes contain large amounts of melanin within the iris stroma, which absorbs light at both short and long wavelengths.
 
Light or medium-pigmented brown eyes are common in [[Europe]], [[India]], [[Iran]], [[Armenia]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Afghanistan]], as well as and some parts of the [[Middle East]]. Light-pigmented brown eyes are sometimes referred to as "honey eyes".
 
In humans, brown eyes contain large amounts of melanin within the iris stroma, which serves to absorb light at both shorter and longer wavelengths. Brown eyes are the most common eye color, with over half of the world's population having them.
{{-}}


===Gray===
===Gray===
Gray eyes are most common in Northern and Eastern Europe. They can also be found, albeit rarely, in parts of [[Norway]].<ref name="Herbert Risley 1999"/> Gray eyes are also common among North Africans and South Indians.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}} Under magnification, gray eyes exhibit small amounts of yellow and brown color in the iris. Ultimately, there are at least two things that could determine gray eye color. The first is the amount of melanin made, and the second is the density of the proteins in the stroma.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thetech.org/genetics/ask.php?id=232 |title=Are gray eyes the same as blue in terms of genetics? |work=Understanding Genetics: Human Health and the Genome |publisher=Stanford School of Medicine |author=Lucy Southworth}}</ref>
Gray eyes are most common in Northern and Eastern Europe. Under magnification, gray eyes exhibit small amounts of yellow and brown color in the iris. There are at least two things that determine gray eye color. The first is the amount of melanin made, and the second is the density of the proteins in the stroma. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thetech.org/genetics/ask.php?id=232 |title=Are gray eyes the same as blue in terms of genetics? |work=Understanding Genetics: Human Health and the Genome |publisher=Stanford School of Medicine |author=Lucy Southworth}}</ref>


A gray iris may indicate the presence of an [[uveitis]]. However, other visual signs make a uveitis obvious. Gray iris color, as well as blue, are at increased risk of [[uveal melanoma]].<ref name=Stang/>
A gray iris can indicate the presence of an [[uveitis]], but other visual signs make a uveitis obvious. People with gray eyes, like those with blue eyes, are at increased risk of [[uveal melanoma]].<ref name=Stang/>


===Green===
===Green===
Green eyes are the product of low to moderate amounts of melanin and probably represent the interaction of multiple variants within the ''[[OCA2]]'' and other genes. Green eyes are most common in Northern and Central Europe.<ref>[http://www.eyedoctorguide.com/eye_general/eye_color.html Blue Eyes Versus Brown Eyes: A Primer on Eye Color - EyeDoctorGuide.com <!-- Bot generated title --> ]</ref><ref>[http://cogweb.ucla.edu/ep/Frost_06.html Why Do Europeans Have So Many Hair and Eye Colors?]</ref> They can also be found in parts of [[Southern Europe]]<ref name="Herbert Risley 1999"/> and [[North Africa]]. In [[Iceland]], 89% of women and 87% of men have either blue or green eye color.<ref name=Rafnsson>{{cite journal |author=Rafnsson V, Hrafnkelsson J, Tulinius H, Sigurgeirsson B, Olafsson JH |title=Risk factors for malignant melanoma in an Icelandic population sample |journal=Prev Med |volume=39 |issue=2 |pages=247–52 |year=2004 |month=August |pmid=15226032 |doi=10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.03.027 }}</ref> A study of Icelandic and Dutch adults found green eyes to be much more prevalent in women than in men. Among [[European Americans]], green eyes are most common among those of [[Celts (modern)|Celtic]] and [[Germanic peoples|Germanic]] ancestry, about 16%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gnxp.com/blog/2008/12/nlsy-blogging-eye-and-hair-color-of.php |title=Gene Expression: NLSY blogging: Eye and hair color of Americans }}</ref>  
Green eyes are the product of low to moderate amounts of melanin and probably represent the interaction of multiple variants of  ''OCA2'' and other genes. Green eyes are most common in Northern and Central Europe. In [[Iceland]], 89% of women and 87% of men have either blue or green eyes.<ref name=Rafnsson>{{cite journal |author=Rafnsson V ''et al.'' |title=Risk factors for malignant melanoma in an Icelandic population sample |journal=Prev Med |volume=39 |pages=247–52 |year=2004 |pmid=15226032 }}</ref> A study of Icelandic and Dutch adults found green eyes to be much more prevalent in women than in men. Among [[European Americans]], green eyes are most common among those of [[Celts (modern)|Celtic]] and [[Germanic peoples|Germanic]] ancestry, about 16%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gnxp.com/blog/2008/12/nlsy-blogging-eye-and-hair-color-of.php |title=Gene Expression: NLSY blogging: Eye and hair color of Americans }}</ref>  
{{-}}


===Hazel===
===Hazel===
Hazel eyes are due to a combination of [[Rayleigh scattering]] and a moderate amount of melanin in the iris's anterior border layer.<ref name=Wang/><ref name=Lefohn>{{cite journal |author=Lefohn A, Budge B, Shirley P, Caruso R, Reinhard E |title=An Ocularist's Approach to Human Iris Synthesis |journal=IEEE Comput. Graph. Appl. |volume=23 |issue=6 |pages=70–5 |month=November |year=2003 |doi=10.1109/MCG.2003.1242384 }}</ref> Hazel eyes often appear to shift in color from a light brown to a golden-green. Hazel mostly consists of brown and green. The dominant color in the eye can either be green or light brown/gold. This is how many people mistake hazel eyes to be amber and vice versa.<ref name=Zhu>{{cite journal |author=Zhu G, Evans DM, Duffy DL, ''et al.'' |title=A genome scan for eye color in 502 twin families: most variation is due to a QTL on chromosome 15q |journal=Twin Res |volume=7 |issue=2 |pages=197–210 |year=2004 |month=April |pmid=15169604 |doi=10.1375/136905204323016186 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Albert DM, Green WR, Zimbric ML, ''et al.'' |title=Iris melanocyte numbers in Asian, African American, and Caucasian irides |journal=Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc |volume=101 |pages=217–21; discussion 221–2 |year=2003 |pmid=14971580 |pmc=1358991 |url=http://www.aosonline.org/xactions/2003/1545-6110_v101_p217.pdf}}</ref><ref name=Mitchell>{{cite journal |author=Mitchell R, Rochtchina E, Lee A, Wang JJ, Mitchell P |title=Iris color and intraocular pressure: the Blue Mountains Eye Study |journal=Am. J. Ophthalmol. |volume=135 |issue=3 |pages=384–6 |year=2003 |month=March |pmid=12614760 |url=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0002939402019670 |doi=10.1016/S0002-9394(02)01967-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Lindsey JD, Jones HL, Hewitt EG, Angert M, Weinreb RN |title=Induction of tyrosinase gene transcription in human iris organ cultures exposed to latanoprost |journal=Arch. Ophthalmol. |volume=119 |issue=6 |pages=853–60 |year=2001 |month=June |pmid=11405836 }}</ref><ref name=Frank>{{cite journal |author=Frank RN, Puklin JE, Stock C, Canter LA |title=Race, iris color, and age-related macular degeneration |journal=Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc |volume=98 |pages=109–15; discussion 115–7 |year=2000 |pmid=11190014 |pmc=1298217 }}</ref><ref name=Regan>{{cite journal |author=Regan S, Judge HE, Gragoudas ES, Egan KM |title=Iris color as a prognostic factor in ocular melanoma |journal=Arch. Ophthalmol. |volume=117 |issue=6 |pages=811–4 |year=1999 |month=June |pmid=10369595 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Hawkins TA, Stewart WC, McMillan TA, Gwynn DR |title=Analysis of diode, argon, and Nd: YAG peripheral iridectomy in cadaver eyes |journal=Doc Ophthalmol |volume=87 |issue=4 |pages=367–76 |year=1994 |pmid=7851220 |doi=10.1007/BF01203345 }}</ref> This can sometimes produce a multicolored iris, i.e., an eye that is light brown/amber near the pupil and charcoal or dark green on the outer part of the iris (and vice versa) when observed in sunlight. Hazel eyes are common in the following countries and regions such as [[Romania]], [[Czech Republic]], [[Austria]], [[France]], [[Spain]], [[Bulgaria]], [[Greece]], [[Great Britain]], [[Portugal]], [[Chile]], [[Italy]], [[Hungary]], [[Eastern Germany]], [[Serbia]], [[Croatia]], [[Slovenia]], [[United States]], [[West Asia]], [[Eastern Russia]], [[Estonia]], [[Mexico]], [[Argentina]], [[Brazil]], [[Middle East]], [[Colombia]] and [[Montenegro]].
Hazel eyes are due to a combination of [[Rayleigh scattering]] and a moderate amount of melanin in the iris's anterior border layer.<ref name=Wang/><ref name=Lefohn>{{cite journal|author=Lefohn A ''et al.'' |title=An ocularist's approach to human iris synthesis |journal=IEEE Comput Graph Appl |volume=23|pages=70–5|year=2003|doi=10.1109/MCG.2003.1242384}}</ref> They often appear to shift in color from a light brown to a golden-green. Hazel mostly consists of brown and green. The dominant color in the eye can either be green or light brown/gold. This is how many people mistake hazel eyes to be amber and vice versa.<ref name=Zhu>{{cite journal |author=Zhu G ''et al.''|title=A genome scan for eye color in 502 twin families: most variation is due to a QTL on chromosome 15q|journal=Twin Res|volume=7|pages=197–210|year=2004|pmid=15169604}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Albert DM ''et al.''|title=Iris melanocyte numbers in Asian, African American, and Caucasian irides |journal=Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc|volume=101|pages=217–21|year=2003|pmid=14971580}}</ref><ref name=Mitchell>{{cite journal |author=Mitchell R ''et al.''|title=Iris color and intraocular pressure: the Blue Mountains Eye Study |journal=Am J Ophthalmol|volume=135|pages=384–6|year=2003|pmid=12614760}}</ref> This can sometimes produce a multicolored iris, i.e., an eye that is light brown/amber near the pupil and charcoal or dark green on the outer part of the iris (and vice versa) when observed in sunlight.
 
Definitions of the eye color ''hazel'' vary: it is sometimes considered to be synonymous with light brown or gold, as in the color of a [[hazelnut]] shell.<ref name=Zhu/><ref name=Mitchell/><ref name=Regan/><ref name=Hammond>{{cite journal |author=Hammond BR, Fuld K, Snodderly DM |title=Iris color and macular pigment optical density |journal=Exp. Eye Res. |volume=62 |issue=3 |pages=293–7 |year=1996 |month=March |pmid=8690039 |url=http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0014483596900354 |doi=10.1006/exer.1996.0035}}</ref>
{{-}}


===Red===
===Red===
The eyes of people with severe forms of [[albinism]] may appear red under certain lighting conditions owing to the extremely low quantities of [[melanin]],<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.albinism.org/publications/what_is_albinism.html NOAH — What is Albinism?]</ref> allowing the blood vessels to show through. In addition, [[flash photography]] can sometimes cause a "[[red-eye effect]]", in which the very bright light from a flash reflects off the back of the eyeball, which is abundantly vascular, causing the pupil to appear red in the photograph.<ref>
The eyes of people with severe forms of [[albinism]] may appear red under certain lighting conditions owing to the extremely low quantities of [[melanin]],<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.albinism.org/publications/what_is_albinism.html NOAH — What is Albinism?]</ref> allowing the blood vessels to show through. In addition, [[flash photography]] can sometimes cause a "[[red-eye effect]]", in which the very bright light from a flash reflects off the back of the eyeball, which is abundantly vascular, causing the pupil to appear red in the photograph.
{{cite news|title=HOW TO: Avoid the red eye effect |author=Dave Johnson |newspaper=[[PC_World_(magazine)#Countries|New Zealand PC World]] |date=2009-01-16 |url=http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/pcw.nsf/digi/D193D7DD8DD78628CC257540000F4A4F |accessdate=2010-01-09 }}
</ref>


==Medical implications==
==Medical implications==
Those with lighter iris color have been found to have a higher prevalence of [[macular degeneration|age-related macular degeneration]] (ARMD) than those with darker iris color;<ref name=Frank/> lighter eye color is also associated with an increased risk of ARMD progression.<ref name=Nicolas>{{cite journal |author=Nicolas CM, Robman LD, Tikellis G, ''et al.'' |title=Iris colour, ethnic origin and progression of age-related macular degeneration |journal=Clin. Experiment. Ophthalmol. |volume=31 |issue=6 |pages=465–9 |year=2003 |month=December |pmid=14641151 |url=http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/resolve/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=1442-6404&date=2003&volume=31&issue=6&spage=465 |doi=10.1046/j.1442-9071.2003.00711.x}}</ref> An increased risk of [[uveal melanoma]] has been found in those with blue, green or gray iris color.<ref name=Stang>{{cite journal |author=Stang A, Ahrens W, Anastassiou G, Jöckel KH |title=Phenotypical characteristics, lifestyle, social class and uveal melanoma |journal=Ophthalmic Epidemiol |volume=10 |issue=5 |pages=293–302 |year=2003 |month=December |pmid=14566630 |doi=10.1076/opep.10.5.293.17319 }}</ref><ref name=Rafnsson/> However, a study in 2000 suggests that people with dark brown eyes are at increased risk of developing cataracts and therefore should protect their eyes from direct exposure to sunlight.<ref name=Cumming>{{cite journal |author=Cumming RG, Mitchell P, Lim R |title=Iris color and cataract: The Blue Mountains Eye Study |journal=American journal of ophthalmology |volume=130 |issue=2 |pages=237–238 |year=2000 |month=August |url=http://www.ajo.com/article/S0002-9394(00)00479-7/abstract |doi=10.1016/S0002-9394(00)00479-7 |pmid=11004303 }}</ref>
Those with lighter iris color have been found to have a higher prevalence of [[macular degeneration|age-related macular degeneration]] (ARMD) than those with darker iris color; lighter eye color is also associated with an increased risk of ARMD progression.<ref name=Nicolas>{{cite journal |author=Nicolas CM ''et al.'' |title=Iris colour, ethnic origin and progression of age-related macular degeneration|journal=Clin Exp Ophthalmol|volume=31|pages=465–9|year=2003|pmid=14641151}}</ref> An increased risk of [[uveal melanoma]] has been found in those with blue, green or gray iris color.<ref name=Stang>{{cite journal|author=Stang A ''et al.''|title=Phenotypical characteristics, lifestyle, social class and uveal melanoma|journal=Ophthalmic Epidemiol|volume=10|pages=293–302|year=2003|pmid=14566630 }}</ref><ref name=Rafnsson/> However, a study in 2000 suggests that people with dark brown eyes are at increased risk of developing cataracts and therefore should protect their eyes from direct exposure to sunlight.<ref name=Cumming>{{cite journal |author=Cumming RG ''et al.'' |title=Iris color and cataract: The Blue Mountains Eye Study|journal=Am J Ophthalmol|volume=130|pages=237–238|year=2000|pmid=11004303}}</ref>


Eye color may also be symptomatic of disease. Aside from the iris, yellowing of the [[Sclera|whites]] of the eyes is associated with [[jaundice]] and symptomatic of liver disease, including [[cirrhosis]], [[hepatitis]] and [[malaria]]. Yellowing of the whites of the eyes in people with darker pigmented skin is often due to melanin being present in the whites of the eyes. However, any sudden changes in the color of the whites of the eyes should be addressed by a medical professional.
Eye color may also be symptomatic of disease. Aside from the iris, yellowing of the [[Sclera|whites]] of the eyes is associated with [[jaundice]] and symptomatic of liver disease, including [[cirrhosis]], [[hepatitis]] and [[malaria]]. Yellowing of the whites of the eyes in people with darker pigmented skin is often due to melanin being present in the whites of the eyes. However, any sudden changes in the color of the whites of the eyes should be addressed by a medical professional.
===Wilson's disease===
===Wilson's disease===
[[Wilson's disease]] involves a mutation of the gene coding for the enzyme [[ATPase|ATPase7B]], which prevents [[copper]] within the liver from entering the [[Golgi apparatus]] in cells. Instead, the copper accumulates in the liver and in other tissues, including the iris of the eye. This results in the formation of [[Kayser-Fleischer ring]]s, which are dark rings that encircle the periphery of the iris.<ref name=McDonnell>{{cite journal |author=McDonnell G, Esmonde T |title=A homesick student |journal=Postgrad Med J |volume=75 |issue=884 |pages=375–8 |year=1999 |pmid=10435182 | url=http://pmj.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/75/884/375 |pmc=1741256}}</ref>
[[Wilson's disease]] involves a mutation of the gene coding for the enzyme [[ATPase|ATPase7B]], which prevents [[copper]] from entering the [[Golgi apparatus]] in cells. Instead, the copper accumulates in the liver and in other tissues, including the iris . This results in dark [[Kayser-Fleischer ring]]s, which encircle the iris. <ref name=McDonnell>{{cite journal |author=McDonnell G, Esmonde T |title=A homesick student |journal=Postgrad Med J|volume=75|pages=375–8 |year=1999|pmid=10435182}}</ref>


==Anomalous conditions==
==Anomalous conditions==
===Aniridia===
===Aniridia===
{{Main|Aniridia}}
[[Aniridia]] is a congenital condition characterized by an extremely underdeveloped iris, which appears absent on superficial examination.
[[Aniridia]] is a congenital condition characterized by an extremely underdeveloped iris, which appears absent on superficial examination.<ref>{{EMedicine|oph|43|Aniridia}}</ref>


===Ocular albinism and eye color===
===Ocular albinism and eye color===
Normally, there is a thick layer of melanin on the back of the iris. Even people with the lightest blue eyes, with no melanin on the front of the iris at all, have dark brown coloration on the back of it, to prevent light from scattering around inside the eye. In those with milder forms of [[albinism]], the color of the irides is typically blue but can vary from blue to brown. In severe forms of albinism, there is no pigment on the back of the iris, and light from inside the eye can pass through the iris to the front. In these cases, the only color seen is the red from the hemoglobin of the blood in the capillaries of the iris. Such albinos have pink eyes, as do albino rabbits, mice, or any other animal with a total lack of melanin. [[Transillumination]] defects can almost always be observed during an [[eye examination]] due to lack of iridial pigmentation.<ref>{{EMedicine|OPH|260|Ocular Manifestations of Albinism}}</ref> The ocular albino also lacks normal amounts of melanin in the retina as well, which allows more light than normal to reflect off the retina and out of the eye. Because of this, the [[Pupillary light reflex|pupillary reflex]] is much brighter in the albino, and this can increase the [[red eye effect]] in photographs.
Normally, there is a thick layer of melanin on the back of the iris. Even people with the lightest blue eyes, with no melanin on the front of the iris at all, have dark brown coloration on the back of it, to prevent light from scattering around inside the eye. In those with milder forms of [[albinism]], the irides are typically blue but can vary from blue to brown. In severe forms of albinism, there is no pigment on the back of the iris, and light from inside the eye can pass through the iris to the front. In these cases, the only color seen is the red from the hemoglobin of the blood in the capillaries of the iris. Such albinos have pink eyes, as do albino rabbits, mice, or any other animal with a total lack of melanin. [[Transillumination]] defects can almost always be observed during an [[eye examination]] due to lack of iridial pigmentation. The ocular albino also lacks normal amounts of melanin in the retina, which allows more light than normal to reflect off the retina and out of the eye. Because of this, the [[Pupillary light reflex|pupillary reflex]] is much stronger in the albino, and this can increase the [[red eye effect]] in photographs.


===Heterochromia===
===Heterochromia===
{{Main|Heterochromia}}
Heterochromia (also known as a ''heterochromia iridis'' or ''heterochromia iridium'') is an ocular condition in which one iris is a different color from the other iris (complete heterochromia), or where the part of one iris is a different color from the remainder (partial heterochromia or sectoral heterochromia). It is a result of the relative excess or lack of [[pigment]] within an iris or part of an iris, which may be inherited or acquired by disease or injury.<ref name=Imesch>{{cite journal |author=Imesch PD ''et al.''|title=The color of the human eye: a review of morphologic correlates and of some conditions that affect iridial pigmentation |journal=Surv Ophthalmol |volume=41 |issue=Suppl 2 |pages=S117–23 |year=1997 |pmid=9154287 }}</ref> This uncommon condition usually results due to uneven [[melanin]] content. A number of causes are responsible, including genetic causes, such as [[Chimera (genetics)|chimerism]], [[Horner's syndrome|Horners Syndrome]] and [[Waardenburg syndrome]].
Heterochromia (also known as a ''heterochromia iridis'' or ''heterochromia iridium'') is an ocular condition in which one iris is a different color from the other iris (complete heterochromia), or where the part of one iris is a different color from the remainder (partial heterochromia or sectoral heterochromia). It is a result of the relative excess or lack of [[pigment]] within an iris or part of an iris, which may be [[Biological inheritance|inherited]] or acquired by [[disease]] or [[injury]].<ref name=Imesch>{{cite journal |author=Imesch PD, Wallow IH, Albert DM |title=The color of the human eye: a review of morphologic correlates and of some conditions that affect iridial pigmentation |journal=Surv Ophthalmol |volume=41 |issue=Suppl 2 |pages=S117–23 |year=1997 |month=February |pmid=9154287 |doi=10.1016/S0039-6257(97)80018-5 }}</ref> This uncommon condition usually results due to uneven [[melanin]] content. A number of causes are responsible, including genetic, such as [[Chimera (genetics)|chimerism]], [[Horner's syndrome|Horners Syndrome]] and [[Waardenburg syndrome]].


A chimera can have two different colored eyes just like any two siblings can—because each cell has different eye color genes. A mosaic can have two different colored eyes if the DNA difference happens to be in an eye color gene.
A chimera can have two different colored eyes just like any two siblings can—because each cell has different eye color genes. A mosaic can have two different colored eyes if the DNA difference happens to be in an eye color gene.


There are many other possible reasons for having two different colored eyes. For example, [[David Bowie]] has the appearance of different eye colors due to an injury that caused one pupil to be permanently dilated. Another idea about how this can happen is if an early viral infection while in the womb turns an eye color gene on or off in just one eye. Occasionally it can be a sign of a serious disease.
There are many other possible reasons for having two different colored eyes. For example, [[David Bowie]] different eye colors due to an injury that caused one pupil to be permanently dilated. Another idea about how this can happen is if an early viral infection while in the womb turns an eye color gene on or off in just one eye. Occasionally it can be a sign of a serious disease.
 
A common cause in females with heterochromia is [[X-inactivation]], which can result in a number of heterochromatic traits, such as [[calico cats]]. Trauma and certain medications, such as some [[prostaglandin analogue]]s, can also cause increased pigmentation in one eye.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Hejkal TW, Camras CB |title=Prostaglandin analogs in the treatment of glaucoma |journal=Seminars in ophthalmology |volume=14 |issue=3 |pages=114–23 |year=1999 |pmid=10790575 |doi=10.3109/08820539909061464 }}</ref> On occasion, the condition of having two different-colored eyes is caused by blood staining the iris after sustaining injury.


==See also==
A common cause in females with heterochromia is [[X-inactivation]],  such as in [[calico cats]]. Trauma and certain medications can also cause increased pigmentation in one eye.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Hejkal TW, Camras CB |title=Prostaglandin analogs in the treatment of glaucoma |journal=Seminars in ophthalmology |volume=14 |pages=114–23 |year=1999 |pmid=10790575}}</ref> On occasion, the condition of having two different-colored eyes is caused by blood staining the iris after an injury.
*[[Iridology]]
*[[Hair color]]
*[[Human skin color]]
*[[Xanthophore]]
*[[List of Mendelian traits in humans]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}[[Category:Suggestion Bot Tag]]
 
==External links==
*[https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Eye_color Original article is from Wikipedia Eye Color]
*[http://www.thetech.org/genetics/ask.php?id=29 Genetics of eye color]
*[http://longevity-science.blogspot.com/2007/02/eye-color.html Eye Color and Human Diseases]
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eye Color}}
[[Category:Eye]]
[[Category:Facial features]]

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Image of a human eye.

Eye color is a polygenic phenotypic character, determined mainly by the amount and type of pigments in the eye's iris.[1][2] Humans and other animals have many phenotypic variations in eye color, as blue, brown, gray, green and others.

Many different genes are involved in determining eye color; they include EYCL1 (a green/blue eye-color gene on chromosome 19), EYCL2 (a brown eye-color gene) and EYCL3 (a brown/blue eye-color gene on chromosome 15). The old view that blue eye color is a simple recessive trait is wrong.

Human eyes differ in color mainly because of different ratios of eumelanin produced by melanocytes in the iris.[2] The brightly colored eyes of many birds are largely determined by other pigments, such as pteridines, purines, and carotenoids.[3]

Three main elements within the iris contribute to its color: the melanin content of the iris pigment epithelium, the melanin content within the iris stroma, and the cellular density of the stroma.[4] In eyes of all colors, the iris pigment epithelium contains the black pigment, eumelanin.[2][4] Color variations among different irides are typically attributed to the melanin content within the iris stroma. The density of cells within the stroma affects how much light is absorbed by the underlying pigment epithelium.[4] OCA2 gene polymorphism, close to proximal 5′ regulatory region, explains most human eye-color variation.[5]

Genes for eye color

In humans, the most common eye color is brown, and the least common is green. Eye color is an inherited trait influenced by more than one gene.[6][7] Individuals differ in eye color mainly because of very slight differences in the genes that determine eye color; these genetic differences in individual genes are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)s. The number of genes that contribute to eye color is currently unknown, but it is possible to predict the color of eyes with more than 90% accuracy for brown and blue, using just six SNPs (from six genes). [8]

One variant of the gene OCA2 causes the pink eye color and hypopigmentation common in human albinism. (The name of the gene is derived from the disorder it causes, oculocutaneous albinism type II.) Different SNPs within OCA2 are strongly associated with blue and green eyes as well as variations in freckling, mole counts, hair and skin tone. The polymorphisms may be in an OCA2 regulatory sequence, where they may influence the expression of the gene product, which in turn affects pigmentation.[5] A specific mutation within the HERC2 gene, a gene that regulates OCA2 expression, is partly responsible for blue eyes.[9] Other genes implicated in eye color variation are: SLC24A4 [10] and TYR.[10]

Blue eyes with a brown spot, green eyes and gray eyes are caused by an entirely different part of the genome. The SNP rs12913832 [of the Herc2 gene] is associated with the brown and blue eye color, but this single variation does not explain all the brown eye color variation.

Classification of color

Iris color can provide a large amount of information about an individual, and a classification of various colors may be useful in documenting pathological changes or determining how a person may respond to various ocular pharmaceuticals.[11] Various classification systems have ranged from a basic light or dark description to detailed gradings employing photographic standards for comparison.[11] Others have attempted to set objective standards of color comparison.[12]

Eye colors range from dark brown to light blue.[6] Seddon et al. developed a graded system based on the predominant iris color and the amount of brown or yellow pigment present.[13] Three pigment colors (brown, yellow, and blue) determine the appearance of the iris: . Green irides, for example, have blue and some yellow. Eye color in animals other than Homo sapiens is differently regulated. For example, autosomal recessive eye color in the skink species: Corucia zebrata is black, and the autosomal dominant color is yellow-green.[14]

Changes in eye color throughout life

Children are usually born with unpigmented eyes. As they develop, melanocytes within the iris slowly begin to produce melanin. Because melanocytes continually produce pigment, eye color can change. Most changes happen when the infant is about one year old, but it can happen up to three years of age. Observing the iris of an infant from the side using only transmitted light with no reflection from the back of the iris, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of low levels of melanin. An iris that appears blue by this method is more likely to remain blue as the infant ages. An iris that appears golden contains some melanin, and is likely to turn green or brown with age.

Lightening or darkening of eye color can occur during puberty, early childhood, pregnancy, and sometimes after serious trauma (like heterochromia).

Studies on twins have shown that eye color can change over time, and major demelanization of the iris may also be genetically determined. Most changes have been observed or reported in the Caucasian population with hazel eyes.[15]

Amber

Amber eyes are of a solid color and have a strong yellowish/golden and russet/coppery tint. This might be due to the yellow pigment called lipochrome in the iris (which is also found in green eyes). Amber eyes should not be confused with hazel eyes; hazel eyes usually comprise many other colors, including green, brown and orange and consist of flecks and ripples, while amber eyes are of a solid gold hue.

The eyes of some pigeons contain yellow fluorescing pigments known as pteridines.[16] The bright yellow eyes of the Great Horned Owl are thought to be due to the presence of the pteridine pigment xanthopterin within certain chromatophores (called xanthophores) in the iris stroma.[17] In humans, yellowish specks or patches are thought to be due to the pigment lipofuscin, also known as lipochrome.[18] In dogs, domestic cats, owls, eagles, pigeons and fish, amber eyes are common, whereas in humans this color occurs less frequently, more in places like Brazil and Asia.

Blue

Blue eyes contain low amounts of melanin within the iris stroma; longer wavelengths of light tend to be absorbed by the underlying iris pigment epithelium, and shorter wavelengths are reflected and undergo Rayleigh scattering.[4] The type of melanin present is eumelanin.[19] The inheritance pattern followed by blue eyes is considered similar to that of a recessive trait (in general, eye color inheritance is considered a polygenic trait, meaning that it is controlled by the interactions of several genes, not just one).[7] In 2008, new research revealed that people with blue eyes have a single common ancestor. Scientists tracked down a genetic mutation that leads to blue eyes. "Originally, we all had brown eyes," said Hans Eiberg from the University of Copenhagen.[20] Eiberg and colleagues showed in a study published in Human Genetics that a mutation in the 86th intron of the HERC2 gene, which is hypothesized to interact with the OCA2 gene promoter, reduced expression of OCA2 with subsequent reduction in melanin production.[21] The authors concluded that the mutation may have arisen in a single individual in the Near East or around the Black Sea region 6,000–10,000 years ago during the Neolithic revolution.[20][21][22] Eiberg stated, "A genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene in our chromosomes resulted in the creation of a 'switch,' which literally 'turned off' the ability to produce brown eyes."

"The genetic switch is located in the gene adjacent to OCA2 and rather than completely turning off the gene, the switch limits its action, which reduces the production of melanin in the iris. In effect, the turned-down switch diluted brown eyes to blue. If the OCA2 gene had been completely shut down, our hair, eyes and skin would be melanin-less, a condition known as albinism".[20]

Blue eyes are most common in Northern and Central Europe.[23] They are also found in parts of North Africa,[24] West Asia, and South Asia,[25] in particular the northern areas of India, largely Kashmir. Pakistan and Iran also have a considerable population of blue-eyed people.

A 2002 study found that the prevalence of blue eyes among Caucasians in the U.S.A. to be 33.8 percent for those born between 1936 and 1951 compared with 57.4 percent for those born between 1899 and 1905.[7] Blue eyes have become increasingly rare among American children, with only one out of every six or 16.6%, which is 49.8 million out of 300 million (22.4% of white Americans) of the total U.S. population with blue eyes.[26][27] The plunge in the past few decades has taken place at a remarkable rate. A century ago, 80 percent of people married within their ethnic group. Blue eyes were routinely passed down, especially among people of Western and Northern European ancestry.[26][27][28]

The outer surface of the iris of a blue-eyed person is clear, lacking the outer layer of pigmentation that is found in brown eyes. Their color is caused by the inner layer of pigmentation and the semi-opaque fibrous tissues that lie between the two layers.[29]

Brown

Brown eyes are dominant in humans[30] and, in many parts of the world, it is nearly the only eye color. It is least common in countries around the Baltic Sea and in Scandinavia. Brown eyes contain large amounts of melanin within the iris stroma, which absorbs light at both short and long wavelengths.

Gray

Gray eyes are most common in Northern and Eastern Europe. Under magnification, gray eyes exhibit small amounts of yellow and brown color in the iris. There are at least two things that determine gray eye color. The first is the amount of melanin made, and the second is the density of the proteins in the stroma. [31]

A gray iris can indicate the presence of an uveitis, but other visual signs make a uveitis obvious. People with gray eyes, like those with blue eyes, are at increased risk of uveal melanoma.[32]

Green

Green eyes are the product of low to moderate amounts of melanin and probably represent the interaction of multiple variants of OCA2 and other genes. Green eyes are most common in Northern and Central Europe. In Iceland, 89% of women and 87% of men have either blue or green eyes.[33] A study of Icelandic and Dutch adults found green eyes to be much more prevalent in women than in men. Among European Americans, green eyes are most common among those of Celtic and Germanic ancestry, about 16%.[34]

Hazel

Hazel eyes are due to a combination of Rayleigh scattering and a moderate amount of melanin in the iris's anterior border layer.[4][18] They often appear to shift in color from a light brown to a golden-green. Hazel mostly consists of brown and green. The dominant color in the eye can either be green or light brown/gold. This is how many people mistake hazel eyes to be amber and vice versa.[35][36][37] This can sometimes produce a multicolored iris, i.e., an eye that is light brown/amber near the pupil and charcoal or dark green on the outer part of the iris (and vice versa) when observed in sunlight.

Red

The eyes of people with severe forms of albinism may appear red under certain lighting conditions owing to the extremely low quantities of melanin,[38] allowing the blood vessels to show through. In addition, flash photography can sometimes cause a "red-eye effect", in which the very bright light from a flash reflects off the back of the eyeball, which is abundantly vascular, causing the pupil to appear red in the photograph.

Medical implications

Those with lighter iris color have been found to have a higher prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) than those with darker iris color; lighter eye color is also associated with an increased risk of ARMD progression.[39] An increased risk of uveal melanoma has been found in those with blue, green or gray iris color.[32][33] However, a study in 2000 suggests that people with dark brown eyes are at increased risk of developing cataracts and therefore should protect their eyes from direct exposure to sunlight.[40]

Eye color may also be symptomatic of disease. Aside from the iris, yellowing of the whites of the eyes is associated with jaundice and symptomatic of liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis and malaria. Yellowing of the whites of the eyes in people with darker pigmented skin is often due to melanin being present in the whites of the eyes. However, any sudden changes in the color of the whites of the eyes should be addressed by a medical professional.

Wilson's disease

Wilson's disease involves a mutation of the gene coding for the enzyme ATPase7B, which prevents copper from entering the Golgi apparatus in cells. Instead, the copper accumulates in the liver and in other tissues, including the iris . This results in dark Kayser-Fleischer rings, which encircle the iris. [41]

Anomalous conditions

Aniridia

Aniridia is a congenital condition characterized by an extremely underdeveloped iris, which appears absent on superficial examination.

Ocular albinism and eye color

Normally, there is a thick layer of melanin on the back of the iris. Even people with the lightest blue eyes, with no melanin on the front of the iris at all, have dark brown coloration on the back of it, to prevent light from scattering around inside the eye. In those with milder forms of albinism, the irides are typically blue but can vary from blue to brown. In severe forms of albinism, there is no pigment on the back of the iris, and light from inside the eye can pass through the iris to the front. In these cases, the only color seen is the red from the hemoglobin of the blood in the capillaries of the iris. Such albinos have pink eyes, as do albino rabbits, mice, or any other animal with a total lack of melanin. Transillumination defects can almost always be observed during an eye examination due to lack of iridial pigmentation. The ocular albino also lacks normal amounts of melanin in the retina, which allows more light than normal to reflect off the retina and out of the eye. Because of this, the pupillary reflex is much stronger in the albino, and this can increase the red eye effect in photographs.

Heterochromia

Heterochromia (also known as a heterochromia iridis or heterochromia iridium) is an ocular condition in which one iris is a different color from the other iris (complete heterochromia), or where the part of one iris is a different color from the remainder (partial heterochromia or sectoral heterochromia). It is a result of the relative excess or lack of pigment within an iris or part of an iris, which may be inherited or acquired by disease or injury.[42] This uncommon condition usually results due to uneven melanin content. A number of causes are responsible, including genetic causes, such as chimerism, Horners Syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome.

A chimera can have two different colored eyes just like any two siblings can—because each cell has different eye color genes. A mosaic can have two different colored eyes if the DNA difference happens to be in an eye color gene.

There are many other possible reasons for having two different colored eyes. For example, David Bowie different eye colors due to an injury that caused one pupil to be permanently dilated. Another idea about how this can happen is if an early viral infection while in the womb turns an eye color gene on or off in just one eye. Occasionally it can be a sign of a serious disease.

A common cause in females with heterochromia is X-inactivation, such as in calico cats. Trauma and certain medications can also cause increased pigmentation in one eye.[43] On occasion, the condition of having two different-colored eyes is caused by blood staining the iris after an injury.

References

  1. ↑ Wielgus AR, Sarna T (2005). "Melanin in human irides of different color and age of donors". Pigment Cell Res 18: 454–64. PMID 16280011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Prota G et al. (1998). "Characterization of melanins in human irides and cultured uveal melanocytes from eyes of different colors". Exp Eye Res 67: 293–9. PMID 9778410.
  3. ↑ Oliphant LW (1987). "Pteridines and purines as major pigments of the avian iris". Pigment Cell Res 1: 129–31. PMID 3507666.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Wang H et al. (2005) "Separating reflections in human iris images for illumination estimation." Proc IEEE Int Conf Computer Vision
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Duffy DL et al. (2007). "A three-single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotype in intron 1 of OCA2 explains most human eye-color variation". Am J Hum Genet 80: 241–52. PMID 17236130.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sturm RA, Frudakis TN (2004). "Eye colour: portals into pigmentation genes and ancestry". Trends Genet 20: 327–32. PMID 15262401.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Grant MD, Lauderdale DS (2002). "Cohort effects in a genetically determined trait: eye colour among US whites". Ann Hum Biol 29: 657–66. PMID 12573082.
  8. ↑ "DNA test for eye colour could help fight crime", New Scientist 14 March 2009. Fan Liu et al.. "Eye color and the prediction of complex phenotypes from genotypes". Curr Biol 19: R192–3. PMID 19278628.
  9. ↑ Kayser M et al. (2008). "Three genome-wide association studies and a linkage analysis identify HERC2 as a human iris color gene". Am J Hum Genet 82: 411–23. PMID 18252221.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Sulem P et al. (2007). "Genetic determinants of hair, eye and skin pigmentation in Europeans". Nat Genet 39: 1443–52. PMID 17952075.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 German EJ et al. (1998). "A novel system for the objective classification of iris colour and its correlation with response to 1% tropicamide". Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 18: 103–10. PMID 9692029.
  12. ↑ Fan S et al. Quantification and Correction of Iris Color." Technical report 1495, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dec, 2003.
  13. ↑ Seddon, JM; et al. (1990). "Evaluation of an iris color classification system". Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 31: 1592–8. PMID 2201662.
  14. ↑ Jones SL, Schnirel BL (2006) Subspecies comparison of the Genus: Corucia, Leeway Corucia Research Center - LCRC, Polyphemos 4:1–25
  15. ↑ Arch Ophthalmol
  16. ↑ Oliphant LW (1987). "Observations on the pigmentation of the pigeon iris". Pigment Cell Res 1: 202–8. PMID 3508278.
  17. ↑ Oliphant LW (1981). "Crystalline pteridines in the stromal pigment cells of the iris of the great horned owl". Cell Tiss Res 217: 387–95. PMID 7237534.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Lefohn A et al. (2003). "An ocularist's approach to human iris synthesis". IEEE Comput Graph Appl 23: 70–5. DOI:10.1109/MCG.2003.1242384. Research Blogging.
  19. ↑ Menon IA et al. (1987). "Is there any difference in the photobiological properties of melanins isolated from human blue and brown eyes?". Br J Ophthalmol 71: 549–52. PMID 2820463.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Bryner, Jeanna. Genetic mutation makes those brown eyes blue, MSNBC, 2008-01-31. Retrieved on 2009-10-19.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Eiberg H et al. (2008). "Blue eye color in humans may be caused by a perfectly associated founder mutation in a regulatory element located within the HERC2 gene inhibiting OCA2 expression". Hum Genet 123: 177–87. PMID 18172690.
  22. ↑ Highfield, Roger. Blue eyes result of ancient genetic 'mutation', The Daily Telegraph, 2008-01-30.
  23. ↑ Pigmentation, the Pilous System, and Morphology of the Soft Parts
  24. ↑ q:Berber people
  25. ↑ Herbert Risley, William Crooke, The People of India, (1999)
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Don't it make my blue eyes brown
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Don't it make my blue eyes brown Americans are seeing a dramatic color change — The Boston Globe | Encyclopedia.com.
  28. ↑ Blue eyes are increasingly rare in America
  29. ↑ Mason, C (1924). "". J Phys Chem 28: 498–501. DOI:10.1021/j150239a007. Retrieved on 2009-04-17. Research Blogging. “...the various shades [of blue eyes] are due to the dark inner layer of pigment—the uvea—showing through fibrous structures of different densities or degrees of opacity.”
  30. ↑ Eiberg H, Mohr J (1996). "Assignment of genes coding for brown eye colour (BEY2) and brown hair colour (HCL3) on chromosome 15q". Eur J Hum Genet 4: 237–41. PMID 8875191.
  31. ↑ Lucy Southworth. Are gray eyes the same as blue in terms of genetics?. Understanding Genetics: Human Health and the Genome. Stanford School of Medicine.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Stang A et al. (2003). "Phenotypical characteristics, lifestyle, social class and uveal melanoma". Ophthalmic Epidemiol 10: 293–302. PMID 14566630.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Rafnsson V et al. (2004). "Risk factors for malignant melanoma in an Icelandic population sample". Prev Med 39: 247–52. PMID 15226032.
  34. ↑ Gene Expression: NLSY blogging: Eye and hair color of Americans.
  35. ↑ Zhu G et al. (2004). "A genome scan for eye color in 502 twin families: most variation is due to a QTL on chromosome 15q". Twin Res 7: 197–210. PMID 15169604.
  36. ↑ Albert DM et al. (2003). "Iris melanocyte numbers in Asian, African American, and Caucasian irides". Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc 101: 217–21. PMID 14971580.
  37. ↑ Mitchell R et al. (2003). "Iris color and intraocular pressure: the Blue Mountains Eye Study". Am J Ophthalmol 135: 384–6. PMID 12614760.
  38. ↑ NOAH — What is Albinism?
  39. ↑ Nicolas CM et al. (2003). "Iris colour, ethnic origin and progression of age-related macular degeneration". Clin Exp Ophthalmol 31: 465–9. PMID 14641151.
  40. ↑ Cumming RG et al. (2000). "Iris color and cataract: The Blue Mountains Eye Study". Am J Ophthalmol 130: 237–238. PMID 11004303.
  41. ↑ McDonnell G, Esmonde T (1999). "A homesick student". Postgrad Med J 75: 375–8. PMID 10435182.
  42. ↑ Imesch PD et al. (1997). "The color of the human eye: a review of morphologic correlates and of some conditions that affect iridial pigmentation". Surv Ophthalmol 41 (Suppl 2): S117–23. PMID 9154287.
  43. ↑ Hejkal TW, Camras CB (1999). "Prostaglandin analogs in the treatment of glaucoma". Seminars in ophthalmology 14: 114–23. PMID 10790575.
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