It is not possible to change eye color naturally, as the color of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, is determined by genetics and remains very similar since childhood.
However, there are cases of babies being born with light eyes that then darken over time, especially in the first years of life.
Although it is not possible to change eye color naturally, some techniques can help change eye color temporarily, such as using colored contact lenses or applying makeup that enhances eye color, for example.
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, which remains similar over the years and, therefore, the color does not change.
Thus, people with more melanin have a darker color, while others who have less melanin have lighter eyes. There are also rarer cases in which the amount of melanin varies from one eye to the other, resulting in eyes of a different color. which is known as heterochromia. Learn more about heterochromia.
Furthermore, the color of the eyes of elderly people does not change, however, a white arc may appear around the iris, called the senile arc, which may give the impression that the eye is lighter.
4 options to change eye color
The main options for changing eye color are:
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 using artificial contact lenses that sit over the eye, changing the color underneath.
There are 2 main types of lenses for changing eye color:
- Opaque lenses: They are solid, non-transparent lenses that completely change the color of the eye, as they have a layer of paint that completely covers the natural color of the eye. This type of lens can look very fake, and is not the best option for those who want to keep their eye color as natural as possible;
- Enhancement Lenses: they are transparent and solid in color, with a small layer of paint that improves the natural color of the eye, in addition to making the limits of the iris more defined;
- Visibility Lenses: These are lenses that have a slight green or bluish color to make them easier to place in your eyes. However, this light coloring can accentuate the eye color of people who have blue or green eyes.
The dyes used in colored lenses are safe and do not pose any health risk.
However, just like the lenses used to correct vision problems, you need to be careful when putting on or removing the lenses, to avoid infections or injuries to the eye. See the care you need to take when using contact lenses.
Although these lenses can be purchased freely without a prescription, it is always best to consult an ophthalmologist.
Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist in the nearest region:
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2. Use of decorative contact lenses
Decorative contact lenses can be used to change the color or shape of the iris, with cat or vampire eyes, for example, typically being worn during Halloween.
The same care should be taken when using this type of lens as with vision corrective lenses or colored lenses, in order to avoid complications such as corneal injuries, eye infections, loss of vision or even blindness.
3. Using makeup to enhance eye color
Makeup cannot change eye color, however, when used well, it can help enhance the natural color of the eye, intensifying the tone of the iris.
Depending on your eye color, you should use a specific type of eye shadow:
- Blue eyes: use eyeshadow with orange tones, such as coral or champagne;
- Brown eyes: apply a purple or bluish eyeshadow;
- Green eyes: prefer purple or brown shadows.
In the case of gray or hazel eyes, it is common for them to have a mixture of another color, such as blue or green, and, therefore, you should use bluish or green shades of eyeshadow depending on the color you want to make stand out more. Check out some tips to have perfect makeup and improve the effect.
4. Iris implant surgery
Iris implant surgery is indicated in cases of trauma or congenital eye diseases, such as aniridia or coloboma, in which there is a total or partial absence of the iris.
However, as it permanently changes the color of the eyes, this type of surgery has been increasingly used by people who want to permanently change the color of their eyes.
Although iris implant surgery is not indicated for aesthetic purposes of changing eye color, but only for the treatment of diseases or trauma to the eyes in very specific cases.
Although it can be a technique with lasting results, iris implantation has several risks, especially for people who have the surgery for aesthetic purposes, such as swelling or damage to the cornea, glaucoma, cataracts or partial loss of vision or blindness.
