Changes in Eye Color Can Be Cause for Concern
Changes in eye color are a rare phenomenon that would alarm anyone. The eyes are one of the most striking parts of the face, on which we tend to fixate constantly.
It’s true that many people try to modify the color of their irises through contact lenses and other procedures. However, when this happens abruptly and without being intentional, it’s usually due to a pathology. However, in some cases, it can also be something benign.
In any case, it’s essential that you should always consult with a specialist. In this article, we’ll explain what the main causes of changes in eye color are.
Diseases that produce changes in eye color
When we’re born, the color of our eyes is usually grayish-blue. This doesn’t mean that all people born with that eye color will have it for the rest of their lives. In fact, quite the opposite is usually true.
These changes in eye color are normal during the first few months of life. Babies haven’t yet developed the pigment that gives color to the iris. That’s why, as they get older, their eyes reach their final color.
However, when changes in eye color occur in adulthood, it can be an alarming situation. In many cases, it’s a symptom of an underlying pathology. In the following sections, we’ll list the most frequent causes.
Changes in eye color due to freckles
Before we start talking about changes in eye color, it’s important to explain what melanin is. Melanin is a pigment present in our body, both in the skin and in the eyeballs. It determines the color of the iris and the tone of the skin.
This substance is produced by cells called melanocytes. The fact that these cells are both in the skin and in the eyes explains that freckles or moles can also appear in the eyes. Freckles are known as ocular nevi.
They’re very similar to those of the skin and consist of benign proliferations of the cells that produce melanin. When they appear around the retina, they’re known as choroidal nevi.
As with freckles or skin moles, ocular nevi can appear at any time in life. Therefore, they’re one of the most frequent causes of changes in eye color.
The problem is that, although they’re usually benign, they’re also at risk of becoming malignant. That’s to say, they can turn into melanoma. This is a much more aggressive tumor that increases the probability of affecting vision.
According to a study published in Recent Results in Cancer Research, ocular melanoma is rare. Even so, according to estimates, it affects almost 2000 people each year in the United States.
You might like: Ocular Nevi; Are Eye Freckles Dangerous?
Lisch nodules
Lisch nodules are small benign tumors that measure between 1 and 2 millimeters that form in the iris. They show up as lumps that generally don’t affect vision.
According to an article that appeared in the Mexican Journal of Ophthalmology, they’re the most frequent ophthalmological manifestation of neurofibromatosis. This is a disease of genetic origin that consists of the formation of tumors from nervous tissue.
They can appear anywhere, from the peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, or even in the brain. Although in most cases they’re benign, they cause symptoms and carry a risk of becoming malignant.
The diagnosis of this disease usually takes place during childhood. Like intraocular nevi, Lisch nodules damage vision and cause changes in eye color.
You may be interested in: What Your Eye Color Says About You
Fuchs’ dystrophy
Fuchs’ dystrophy is a rare disease. So much so that, according to the Orphanet platform, its prevalence is 1 to 9 persons per million inhabitants. It affects young adults and causes changes in eye color.
What happens is that one eye changes color becoming lighter than the other. The cause is unknown, although the Journal of the Colombian Society of Ophthalmology points out that it may have to do with the herpes simplex virus, rubella, or herpes zoster.
The problem is that this pathology usually causes symptoms, like floaters. These are small spots that appear in the visual field and simulate floating flies. In addition, it can lead to cataracts and glaucoma.
Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome
This is an eye syndrome that causes swelling of the cornea, glaucoma, and changes in the iris. The last ones mentioned are those that cause changes in the color of the eyes. Thus, certain cells of the cornea migrate toward the iris, causing deformation in both the iris and the pupil.
In addition, this migration of cells alters the normal circulation of the liquid inside the eye. When they accumulate, the pressure inside the globe increases, giving rise to glaucoma. The most frequent symptoms are blurred vision, changes in eye color, and even pain.
Pigment dispersion syndrome
Normally, the pigment that gives color to the irises is located at the back of the iris. In some people, the iris has a different morphology and rubs against other parts of the eye. This gradually releases the pigment, which then spreads to other areas where it shouldn’t be.
When this happens, something similar to what we mentioned in the previous section can happen. The pigment can obstruct the circulation of intraocular fluid. Therefore, it’s possible that glaucoma may occur. In addition, there are also changes in eye color.
Changes in eye color from trauma
Trauma is another of the most common causes of changes in eye color. It can be a penetrating injury, a blunt blow to the face, or any agent that damages the eye’s blood vessels.
This type of injury usually alters vision, causing it to double or decrease visual quality. In addition, sensitivity to light is common. The accumulation of extravasated blood in parts of the eye where it shouldn’t be is the explanation for the phenomenon.
Changes in eye color are cause for consultation
All changes in eye color should be examined by an ophthalmologist, since, as we’ve seen, they can be a symptom of a disease. In addition, there’s a risk of permanent vision damage.
Therefore, when in doubt about anything concerning this disorder, it’s essential to consult a specialist. The eyes are a very delicate part of the body that require special care and consideration.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Neurofibromatosis – Síntomas y causas – Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/neurofibromatosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350490
- Cuevas, M., & Morantes, S. (2018). Iridociclitis Heterocrómica de Fuchs: Una Uveítis Subdiagnosticada. Revista Sociedad Colombiana de Oftalmología (Vol. 48). Retrieved from https://scopublicaciones.socoftal.com/index.php/SCO/article/view/74
- Orphanet: Iridociclitis heterocrómica de Fuchs. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2020, from https://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=ES&Expert=263479
- Walkden, Andrew, and Leon Au. “Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome: clinical perspectives.” Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ) 12 (2018): 657.
- Sánchez, Rocío, et al. “Trauma ocular.” Cuadernos de Cirugía 22.1 (2018): 91-97.
- Londoño, M. V. M., Imay, M. T., González, M. C. G., Nakamura, W. K., Reyes, C. E. E., & de la Vega, G. I. (2014). Nódulos de Lisch y ultrabiomicroscopia. Revista Mexicana de Oftalmologia, 88(4), 189–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mexoft.2014.05.004
- Tucker, M. A., Hartge, P., & Shields, J. A. (1986). Epidemiology of intraocular melanoma. Recent Results in Cancer Research. Fortschritte Der Krebsforschung. Progrès Dans Les Recherches Sur Le Cancer, 102, 159–165. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-82641-2_14
- Mataix, J., et al. “Nevus coroideos.” Annals d’oftalmologia: òrgan de les Societats d’Oftalmologia de Catalunya, Valencia i Balears 26.3 (2018): 18.
- Santos-Bueso, E., et al. “Línea de Scheie como primer signo de síndrome de dispersión pigmentaria.” Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología 94.3 (2019): 138-140.