Eye color is determined by genetics and therefore remains very similar from the moment of birth.However, there are also cases of babies who are born with light eyes that later darken over time, especially in the first years of life.
But after the first 2 or 3 years of childhood, the color of the iris of the eyes is usually already defined and stays the same for the rest of life, and it can be one of the 5 natural colors:
- Brown;
- Blue;
- Hazelnut;
- Green;
- Gray.
Any other color, such as red, black or white does not appear by a natural process and, therefore, is only achieved through other techniques, such as the use of lenses or surgery, for example.
Even people who want to change their eye color to one of the 5 natural colors, cannot do it by a natural process and need to use artificial techniques, such as:
1. Use of colored contact lenses
This is the best known and most used technique to change the color of the iris of the eyes and consists of the use of artificial contact lenses that are over the eye, changing the color that is underneath.
There are 2 main types of lenses to change eye color:
- Opaque lenses: completely change the color of the eye, as they have a layer of paint that completely covers the natural color of the eye. Although they cause the biggest change in eye color and can be of almost any color, they can also look very false, not being the best option for those who want to keep their eye color as natural as possible.
- Enhancement lenses: they have a light layer of paint that improves the natural color of the eye, in addition to making the iris limits more defined.
In both cases, the inks used on the lenses are safe and pose no health risk. However, as well as the lenses used to correct vision problems, care must be taken when inserting or removing the lenses, to avoid infections or injuries to the eye. See the care you need to take when wearing contact lenses.
Although these lenses can be purchased freely without a prescription, it is always best to consult an ophthalmologist.
2. Iris implant surgery
This is still a very recent and controversial technique, in which the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, is removed and replaced by another from a compatible donor. Initially, this surgery was developed to correct lesions in the iris, but it has been increasingly used by people who want to permanently change their eye color.
Although it can be a technique with lasting results, it has several risks such as loss of vision, glaucoma or the appearance of cataracts. Thus, although it can be done in some places, it is very important to discuss the possible risks with the doctor and to evaluate the doctor's experience in carrying out this procedure.
3. Use of makeup to improve eye color
Makeup cannot change the color of the eyes, however, when used well, it can help improve the natural color of the eye, intensifying the tone of the iris.
According to the color of the eyes, a specific type of eye shadow should be used:
- Blue eyes: use eyeshadow with orange tones, such as coral or champagne;
- Brown eyes: apply a purple or bluish shade;
- Green eyes: prefer purple or brown eyeshadows.
In the case of gray or hazel eyes, it is common to have a mixture of another color, such as blue or green, and, therefore, one should use bluish or green shade tones according to the color that is intended to make it stand out more.
Also check out 7 important tips to have a perfect makeup and improve the effect.
Does eye color change over time?
Eye color has remained the same since childhood, as it is determined by the amount of melanin in the eye. Thus, people with more melanin have a darker color, while others have lighter eyes.
The amount of malina has remained similar over the years and, therefore, the color does not change. Although it is more common for the amount of melanin to be the same in both eyes, there are also rarer cases where the amount varies from one eye to the other, resulting in different colored eyes, which is known as heterochromia.
Learn more about heterochromia and why it is possible to have an eye of each color.
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