How Genetics Affects Your Eye Color

The color of human eyes was originally described as a single gene trait, with blue eyes being less dominant than brown. Scientists today have uncovered that the color of our eyes is influenced by about eight genes. These genes take charge of the melanin levels in our iris cells.

Eye color is largely inherited, and the genes involved in determining eye color are complex. These genes interact in different ways, leading to the wide array of eye colors observed in the human population.

Here are 5 ways genetics can affect your eye color:

OCA2:

OCA2 is a major player in your eye color by overseeing almost three-quarters of your blue-brown color range. OCA2 usually overpowers most of our genes, occasionally other genes can overpower this one.

HERC2:

HERC2 is another gene that influences the activity of OCA2. A specific variant of HERC2 is linked to the blue eye color. Individuals with two copies of this “blue eye” variant are more likely to exhibit blue eyes.

SLC24A4:

SLC24A4 is involved in melanin production and contributes to determining whether an individual will have lighter to darker eyes.

Melanin:

Melanin is the same pigment responsible for the color of our skin and hair. It comes in two forms: pheomelanin, which is red or yellow, and eumelanin, which is brown or black. The combination of these pigments determines the range of green, blue, hazel, or brown eye colors. Genes such as ALC42A5, TYRP1, and ASIP also function in the melanin pathway and can shift the amount of melanin levels present.

Lipochrome:

Lipochrome is a yellow pigment that contributes to the green and hazel colors in your eyes. While less prevalent than melanin, its presence can influence eye color.

Understanding how genes influence eye color not only satisfies our curiosity but also unveils the beauty of individuality.