Ophthalmologist Tells Us 4 Reasons Your Eyes Could Change Colors

Advances in cosmetic science have given us more control over our looks than ever; we can now change the size and shape of certain body parts, make smile lines less noticeable, and even spot-remove fat with liposuction. But one area that experts haven't figured out a safe way to permanently alter is eye color, at least in the United States. Iris implant surgery is possible in some countries but remains unapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to the likelihood of complications. 

That said, Dr. Ashley Hayden, ophthalmologist and co-founder of GentleDrop, explains that there are four situations in which an adult's eye can naturally change colors, and contrary to what you might've heard, it's not when you wear certain shades of clothing. "This phenomenon is due to the clothes highlighting the hues of your iris," she shares exclusively with Glam. "Your eyes are not changing color, but they are being complemented by the clothes you are wearing."

The main reasons why eyes may naturally change colors tend to be related to certain medical conditions, including the fluctuating deposit of fats, along with injury and growths. The eyes can also experience a shift in color due to sun exposure, though this is likely to be temporary. "Melanin in your iris can increase after sun exposure and darken the color of the eye, but it is not very significant and often doesn't lead to significant changes," Dr. Hayden notes. "The color of the eye is determined by the amount of melanin in your iris — the same molecule that gives your skin a brown color after sun exposure. The change is temporary, similar to a suntan." Generally, it's best to rely on less-damaging methods that are actually in your control if you want to change the color of your irises, with colored contacts and social-media filters being the best temporary but effective options. Otherwise, embrace your natural gifts and learn what you can do to make even the most common eye colors pop.

There aren't many medical conditions that will lead to a change in eye color, but the most well-known is called arcus senilis. Dr. Ashley Hayden explains exclusively to Glam that this is "the deposition of fats and cholesterol around the outside of the clear portion of the eye, the cornea" and "can result in a lighter appearance to your eyes." Unlike glaucoma, which is a chronic eye disease, arcus senilis "is a normal part of aging and does not affect your vision."

You don't need treatment for arcus senilis, which tends to manifest as two light-colored rims on top of and underneath the outer cornea, sometimes joining into a full circle that borders the iris. This condition is no cause for concern in older adults, but when it happens to younger folks under the age of 45, it can be a sign of a genetic disorder called familial hyperlipidemia. This leads to increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and may enhance the risk of heart disease. So, if you develop white or gray rims around the iris as a younger person, visiting your doctor is worth it.

Along with sun damage and arcus senilis, there are a few other factors that can lead to a change in eye color for adults. The first, Dr. Ashley Hayden says, is cataracts, which "can cause the lens inside your eye to have a white appearance." Unfortunately, cataracts come with unpleasant symptoms that will likely be more significant than aesthetics, including cloudy vision, color perception that appears yellow or faded, light sensitivity, and trouble seeing at night. These tend to develop slowly, with the symptoms only becoming noticeable later on. An optometrist might suggest prescription lenses to deal with cataracts in the beginning stages, but once they significantly affect your vision, you can get them surgically removed. Cataracts can be a natural part of aging, but they can be accelerated by UV exposure. If you're in the market for a new pair of sunglasses, check out our guide on how to pick the best glasses for your face shape.

Next, Dr. Hayden exclusively tells Glam that you can also experience eye-color change as an adult after an injury or bleeding, or due to growths in the area. "If you have noticed your eye changing color, definitely see an eye care professional," she recommends. "Eyes can become browner with growing 'moles' or nevuses or can atrophy and become lighter after trauma and surgery." She surmises that medical conditions, sun damage, injury, and growths are really the only factors that lead to either temporary or permanent changes in eye color. Luckily, there are still plenty of simple, safe ways to get glamorous eyes, from experimenting with eye liner to wearing colored contacts.