[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/09\/infographic-colors-eye\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/09\/infographic-colors-eye\/","headline":"Infographic: Colors of the Eye","name":"Infographic: Colors of the Eye","description":"Find out what determines eye color and learn about some medical conditions associated with your eyes in this infographic from the UPMC Eye Center.","datePublished":"2014-09-14","dateModified":"2023-07-17","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","name":"UPMC Vision Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-vision-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/UPMC_EyeColor_Refresh_BH_754x325_C1.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/UPMC_EyeColor_Refresh_BH_754x325_C1.png","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/09\/infographic-colors-eye\/","about":["Eye Health"],"wordCount":392,"keywords":["allergies","cirrhosis","infection","infographic","iris","sunburn"],"articleBody":"From the famous lines of beloved songs to the stories of ancient legends, eye color has captivated audiences throughout time.The origins and genetic makeup associated with eye color are much more complex than a simple collection of aesthetic traits, however. Genes and pigment concentrations are two important factors in determining eye color. Some eye colors are more rare than others and can be linked to genetics or family origins and heritage.The two primary genes that influence the color of the eye, primarily brown and blue eyes, are OCA2 and HERC2. Additional genes influence other eye colors and specific variations, including green or hazel eyes and gold rings. The scale of eye color from most to least common is brown, blue, hazel, green, and silver.Concentrations of the pigment melanin in the iris of the eye is the primary determinant of eye color. Higher amounts of melanin lead to darker colors while lower amounts result in lighter eye colors. The pigment lipochrome also plays a role in determining eye color, specifically green eyes.Eye color also can change due to factors like pupil size, emotions, and age. However, if these changes are drastic or only occur in one eye this may indicate a medical condition and you should discuss symptoms with a doctor.Main colors of the eyeBrown:Most common eye colorResult of having a large amount of melanin in the irisHazel:Appear to switch from brown to green or a combination of the two.Often have a brown ring at outer edgeGreen:Least common eye colorLinked to norther and central European descentRare in menBlue:Linked to European descentEye color of most newborn babiesOther colorsSilver\/Grey:Linked to eastern European descentResult of having very little \u00a0melanin in the irisVery rare.More colors:Some eyes are not easily classified as one of the main colors.What determines eye color?Melanin. The more you have, the darker your eyes.Still curious?Interested in some fascinating facts behind blue (green, or brown) eyes?Visit the UPMC Vision Institute website to learn more about the latest breakthroughs in the field of optometry and the different eye conditions we treat. Call 1-800-446-3797 to schedule an appointment today.Editor's Note: This infographic was originally published on September 14, 2014, and was last reviewed on May 25, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"09","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/09\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Infographic: Colors of the Eye","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/09\/infographic-colors-eye\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]