Why Are My Blue Eyes Getting Darker?

Why Are My Blue Eyes Getting Darker
Iris Color Changes – Iris freckles are small brown spots on the surface of the iris that are often related to sun exposure. They’re common and usually harmless, like freckles on the skin. Iris nevi are larger freckles or dark growths on the eye that look like a mole.

Nevi are caused by pigment cells called melanocytes.
They are usually harmless and slow-growing but can be a risk for cancer.
Nevi aren’t as common as iris freckles and should be watched by a doctor.
Lisch nodules are small brown bumps that grow over the iris.
These growths are usually associated with a condition called neurofibromatosis.

A nervous system disorder that causes small tumors to grow on nerve cells throughout the body, this condition appears to have a genetic link and run in families. The presence of Lisch nodules is helpful in diagnosing neurofibromatosis. They usually don’t affect vision.

People with neurofibromatosis can live normal lives, unless there are more serious complications. Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis is an inflammation of some of the structures of the front of the eye, including the iris. The cause of Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis isn’t known and it can sometimes be difficult to treat.

Symptoms include atrophy of the iris, a loss of pigment in the iris so that the color of the eye changes, cataracts and inflammation in the eye. Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis sometimes leads to glaucoma, which can cause vision loss if not treated. Iris heterochromia in a patient with Fuchs’ Heterochromic Iridocyclitis. Note the lighter colored iris in the affected right eye. Iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome is a very rare combination of three conditions that develop together, affecting the iris and cornea.

Cells from the cornea break away and move to the iris.
This tissue appears like blotches or spots on the iris, affecting eye color.
ICE syndrome usually affects only one eye.
It leads to glaucoma.
Pigment dispersion syndrome, which is also known as pigment loss.
Pigment is lost from the back surface of the iris and those cells float to other parts of the eye.

They can clog the eye’s drainage angle, increasing eye pressure. It’s most common in younger males who are near-sighted. It can affect eye color, lightening parts of the iris where pigment falls away. People with the syndrome may not see or feel any symptoms.

It can lead to pigmentary glaucoma, which causes blurred vision and other vision changes.
The syndrome is often diagnosed when people experience signs of glaucoma.
Glaucoma treatment can help.
Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eyeball.
There are several kinds, depending on what part of the eye is swollen.

Uveitis is usually caused by inflammation, infection, trauma or exposure to toxins. It can make the conjunctiva (clear covering over the white of the eye) look red. Patients may notice a change in eye color if the iris sticks to the lens and changes the pupil’s size or shape.

Uveitis requires immediate medical attention. Horner’s syndrome is a rare condition that is usually the result of a stroke, tumor or spinal cord injury damaging facial nerves. It affects one side of the face. Symptoms include drooping eyelids, uneven pupil size and the inability to sweat on that side of the face.

When one pupil is much larger than then the other, eye color looks different. In very rare cases, Horner’s Syndrome occurs in newborns or infants. Horner’s syndrome can also cause a change in eye color due to depigmentation of the iris. Trauma: Injury or trauma to the eye can damage the iris, causing tissue loss.

This tissue loss can make the eye color look different. A dilated pupil can make the color of that eye look different from the other eye. The eye color isn’t actually changed, but if the pupil is dilated, less of the color of the iris can be seen. A dilated pupil can be a symptom of a serious condition such as a stroke or brain injury.

It can also be the result of eye trauma. In some cases, the pupil returns to normal size with treatment. The formal term for a difference in pupil size is anisocoria. The color difference between musician David Bowie’s eyes was from anisocoria.

Why are my eye color getting darker?

What Causes Eye Color to Change? Changes in eye color can be as captivating as they are concerning. By understanding what can cause eye colors to change, you can determine if what you’re experiencing is typical or if you should see a visionary eye doctor.

Here is a look at common causes of eye color changes. Natural Age-Related Eye Color Changes One of the most common situations that leads to changes in eye color occurs in children. When a baby is born, their eyes are usually lighter or bluer. Mainly, this is because a newborn hasn’t had sun exposure, so the melanin in their eyes isn’t fully developed.

As they are exposed to light, melanin production increases, causing the color of their eyes to shift. However, eye color changes can also occur as a person ages. Those with lighter color eyes – especially Caucasians – may see their eyes lighten over time.

The pigment slow degrades over time, resulting in less color.
Other Situations Leading to Eye Color Changes Sun Exposure Since melanin plays a role in eye color, exposure to the sun can lead to eye color changes.
Usually, it requires prolonged exposure and results in the irises darkening.
Medical Treatments Some medications may alter eye color.

One prime example was a name-brand eyelash growth serum that was available by prescription. While the side effect was rare and usually required the drops to be applied to the eye – not the lash line, as it was meant to be used – a chemical in the serum could have the ability to impact eye pigments.

It’s also possible for other medications and surgeries to result in eye color changes. If that’s a potential side effect of a treatment, your eye care specialist will discuss it in advance. Nearby Colors In some cases, it may look like your eye color has changed when, in reality, your eyes are the same color.

Changes to the size of your pupils can cause your eye color to appear slightly different. Partially, this is because your limbal ring (the darker ring on the outside of the iris) is closer to the pupil’s edge. This can make your eye color appear darker because less of the iris is visible.

Additionally, other colors near your eyes may impact how your eye color is perceived.
For example, your clothing, makeup, hair, and glasses frame color may all influence the apparent hue of your irises.
However, most of that is an illusion.
When a different color is near your eye, slight reflections of those shades might make your eye color seem different, even though it isn’t.

In a similar vein, changing the colors that are near your eyes may create more or less contrast than is usually there, making the hue seem stronger or weaker due to an adjustment in the comparison. Similarly, crying, allergies, or other activities that cause the sclera – the white part of the eye – to redden may make the irises seem slightly different.

Again, this is because the area near the iris changed hues, not because the iris itself is a new color. Medical Conditions There are medical conditions that can lead to shifts in eye color. Heterochromia – a condition that causes a person to have two different colored irises or more than one color in a single iris – may result in color changes.

Horner’s syndrome may cause the eyes to lighten. Pigmentary glaucoma and Fuch’s heterochromic uveitis – an inflammatory condition – may also result in changes to the iris. The same goes for eye melanoma, a type of cancer. Consult a Reputable Eye Doctor The eye care specialists in Buffalo, NY at ECVA take the safety and health of our patients’ eyes seriously.

Why are my eyes not bright blue anymore?

Stay up-to-date with the latest from 20/20 Onsite – It’s not an uncommon thing to have wondered before if your eyes are capable of changing color. At some point or another, we’ve all wanted to have different eyes just to see what they’d look like. And as crazy as it may sound, eyes can absolutely change color! How does this happen? Let’s start with the basics. Why Are My Blue Eyes Getting Darker First of all, the iris is a muscle in the eye that gives it its color. With light, the iris can either expand or contract in order to control pupil size. The pupil shrinks when exposed to bright light, whereas it grows in dimmer lighting. When the pupil changes size, the pigments in the iris either compress or spread apart, which causes a slight change in perceived eye color,

Age Babies are usually born with light blue or gray eyes, yet as they grow, their eyes often get darker. This is because eye color is determined by your genes and the melanin level on your body. As you grow up, the melanin level increases around your pupil, making the eye darker. However, 10-15% of Caucasian eyes change to a lighter color as they age, as pigment in the iris changes or degrades,
Exposure to the sun Melanin production can be activated through solar exposure, meaning that a prolonged time exposure to the sun could make your eyes darker.
Emotions Certain emotions can change the size of your pupil and the iris color. When you are happy, angry, or sad, your body releases a hormone that makes your pupil size change, When you’re happy or angry, your eyes usually become more vibrant, while when you cry, your eyes obtain a reddish color, making your eyes appear brighter.
Clothing and makeup Darker clothes as well as some color makeup on your eyelids, or white eyeliner, are all things that can make your eyes look more vibrant and brighter, This is just a matter of perception, not reality, but your eyes will definitely pop a bit more than usual!
Your diet They say you are what you eat, and for the eyes this is entirely true! The type of diet you keep will influence your eye color. Here are some of the foods that change your eye color if consumed often : Spinach: It’s richness in iron will make your eyes look younger and shine brighter! Organic honey: Regular consumption of honey could make your eye hue lighter and brighter. Fish: Consuming fish can increase your eye color strength and depending on the consumption, this changes could be permanent. Olive oil: Many people believe that adding olive oil to your diet could change the shade of your eyes. Onions: Regular intake of onion has shown gradual changes in eye and skin color. Nuts: Add different nuts to your diet and your eyes could gradually get a lighter color. * Note : Roasted nuts won’t affect your eyes since their nutrients (what might change your eye color) have already been destroyed by exposing them to high temperatures. Chamomile & Uva Ursi tea: eyes relax and pupil size changes, making the eye appear a different color (usually a warmer shade),
Your health Your eye color can also change to a yellowish or greenish shade when you are unwell or if you have an eye disease such as : Horner’s Syndrome: A complication with the third cranial nerve. This disease could make the affected eye(s) change to a lighter color. Fuch’s Heterochromic Uveitis: A chronic mild inflammation of the front section of the eye. Pigmentary Glaucoma: In this type of glaucoma, the pigment on the back of the iris is disrupted and the loose pigment granules collect on the back of the cornea. This loose pigment could also collect on the front of the iris, changing the color. Medication for glaucoma c ould also affect the color of the eyes.

There are many reasons why your eyes may at least appear to change color. In certain cases, like eye disease and changes in your diet, your eye color may truly change. However, many times it is only a matter of perspective and elements that can reflect into your eyes, tricking the mind of those looking at you into thinking your eyes just changed into a different shade.

Can stress make your eyes darker?

Why Are My Blue Eyes Getting Darker Be it a college assignment, a stressful life event or as little as anxiety before a big presentation, stress can find its way through the minutest instance possible. If you’ve been thinking that stress results only in a ‘gush of cortisol’ then that’s not it! The biggest trace that stress can leave behind is dark circles.

Dark circles make you look extremely tired and also older than you actually are.
However, with the right care and treatment, you can get rid of dark circles.
How Does Stress Cause Dark Circles? Some of you might have had this misconception that dark circles are caused only due to a lack of sleep.
That may be true in a way but dark circles share a deeper connection with stress as well.

When you’re stressed, blood is provided to other parts of your body, barring the face, which makes it look very pale. This causes the blood vessels underneath your eye to be more apparent, eventually giving birth to dark circles. The Best Way To Get Rid Of Dark Circles Once you spot dark circles underneath the eyes, it feels as though you are the ‘walking dead’, right? You try your luck at all the possible dark circle removal creams and home remedies.

But getting rid of these dark circles is not as easy as it may seem. Dark circles make us look even more older. Which is when the Kaya Brightening And Firming Eye Serum comes into play. The formula for this product is researched and developed by dermatologists, especially for those suffering from dark circles.

This light serum is enriched with a combination of botanical extracts which target puffiness & discoloration. It also enhances the firmness around the eyes giving you a youthful look. Check out how beneficial the Kaya Brightening And Firming Eye Serum was to our customer.

Are Darker eyes healthier?

Do Different Eye Colors Have Different Benefits? – Because of the sometimes simplified way concepts like genetics and Darwinism are taught, we might reasonably assume there is a survival-based reason various eye colors developed and survived in various human populations.

Reduced risk of macular degeneration Lower melanoma risk

Lighter eyes may have some advantages too, but they are also linked to certain health and addiction risks. People with lighter eyes may have the following:

A lower chance of developing vitiligo A higher risk of abusing alcohol Greater light sensitivity, especially among people with albinism

Notably, the potential differences in health impacts between different eye colors are almost certainly slight. The reason different eye colors have managed to survive is largely because they didn’t significantly impact the survivability of the early humans who developed them.

Can eyes darken naturally?

– The short answer: no. The pigment melanin determines your eye color. Eyes with a lot of melanin will be naturally darker. The less melanin in your eyes, the lighter they’ll be. For the most part, your eye color will stay the same from infancy. Research has found that eye color can change in rare cases due to injury or genetics.

Some people have two different colored irises from a condition called heterochromia. This condition is often caused by injury or trauma to the eye. Rarely, it may be caused by a birth defect such as Waardenburg syndrome, Sturge-Weber syndrome, congenital Horner’s syndrome, or Parry-Romberg syndrome. Pigmentary glaucoma may also affect your eye color.

This is a type of inborn open-angle glaucoma that can develop during your 20s or 30s. Some people have claimed that bathing your eye in a mixture of pure honey and lukewarm water will change its color over time. There’s no scientific evidence supporting this.

How do I make my eyes brighter blue?

Download Article Download Article Blue eyes are beautiful, but making sure they stand out can be a little tough! Your makeup, clothes, and hair can make your eyes look pale or washed out if they aren’t designed to complement blue eyes. Learn how to put on makeup, style your hair, and pick out clothes and accessories so your blue eyes really pop!

1 Apply concealer under your eyes. Blue eyes can easily get lost in dark undereye circles, and this is especially noticeable with a natural look. Apply concealer around and under your eyes to put the focus on them, not your circles!
- Try using a salmon-colored concealer to hide the bluish tones in your skin.
- If you only need light coverage, dot the concealer along your undereye, then blend with your fingers or a makeup sponge.
- If you have very dark circles, apply a layer of concealer in an inverted triangle shape under your eye. The point of the triangle should be about level with the apples of your cheeks. Blend it with your fingers or a makeup sponge. It should blend into your face makeup and up to the corners of your eye.
2 Put on beige or light gold eyeshadow. Colors with warm tones complement blue eyes. For a natural look, pick a beige, light gold, or a similar light neutral eyeshadow. Blend it in lightly over your eyelid with an eyeshadow brush. You want enough to contrast with your eyes, but not enough to look obvious from a distance. Advertisement
3 Use light-colored eyeliner. Pick a light eyeliner in white, beige, light gold, or a similar light neutral color. The light color will help your eyes look bigger without looking like you’re wearing heavy makeup. You can use liquid, pencil, or gel eyeliner, but pencil is best for a more natural look. Line your eyes lightly on both the top and bottom lids.
4 Highlight both corners of your eyes. Adding a little shimmer to both corners of your eyes will make them look bigger and highlight their beautiful color. You can use pencil eyeliner, liquid or powder eyeshadow, or highlighter, as long as it’s a very light, shimmery color. Dab the color gently on each inner corner, then blend with your fingers or a small makeup brush.
- If your eyes are gray-blue, try a color with pink tones.
- Bright, dark, or purple blues will really pop with a gold or copper-toned highlighter.
- If you are going for something very natural, try white or ivory for light skin, and rose gold for darker skin. Use a very small amount and blend it thoroughly.
5 Curl your eyelashes. Curling your eyelashes will make your eyes appear bigger and more open. Line up your upper lashes with your eyelash curler, then hold it closed for 10-15 seconds.
- Don’t put on mascara before you curl! The mascara can stick to the curler and pull lashes out, or even break them.
6 Use black or brown mascara. Black or brown mascara can help make the blue in your eyes pop, especially if you have dark hair. Use one or two layers on your upper lashes, and one on your lower lashes.

1 Choose warm-toned or purple eyeshadow. For blue eyes, anything with warm tones will look great! You don’t have to wear bright colors-browns, golds, coppers, and bronzes are also warm tones. Warm hues of purple, like eggplant and plum, are also very flattering for blue eyes because their reddish tones bring out blues.
- If you have dark blue eyes, try a bright metallic color.
- Pink-toned purples and golds look great on gray-blue eyes.
- Avoid blue or blue-toned shadows like turquoise, indigo, and periwinkle-they can make your eyes look washed-out!
- Gray eyeshadow can also make your blue eyes pop.
2 Apply the shadow to your eyelid. Use an eyeshadow brush to apply the shadow across your entire eyelid. If you want a more dramatic, bolder look, layer it on or even try blending two or more colors in the same family.
3 Add a shimmery shadow to your eyelid crease and both corners. Choose a shimmery shadow and brush it onto your eyelid creases and both inner corners of your eye. You can choose any shimmery color you want, but warm metallics will look great with blue eyes.
4 Try a bold eyeliner. A bold eyeliner will bring out your blue eyes. You can try a gold eyeliner, black eyeliner, or dark purple eyeliner. Liquid eyeliner is best for a bold look, but you can also use pencil or gel liner. Gently and carefully line along your upper and lower eyelids.
- If you have trouble with liquid eyeliner, try dotting it along your eyelids, then connecting the dots.
EXPERT TIP Alicia D’Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. Our Expert Agrees: Blue eyes pop the most when you have a dark color like black or brown on your lash line. That creates a sharp contrast with the lightness of the iris. However, you can also use cooler tones like grey, silver, or blue to bring out the variety of shades in your eye color, or opt for colors like pink and purple to change things up in spring and summer.
5 Layer your mascara. Brown mascara will look great with blue eyes, but black or even blue mascara will make them pop too! When you put mascara on, try putting on two or three layers on your top lashes and one or two on your bottom lashes to really emphasize your eyes. The best way to put on multiple layers is to wait a few seconds between each layer.
- If your mascara gets clumpy, gently pinch the clump with your fingers and pull it out
- You can also use false eyelashes for an even more dramatic look.
6 Put on bright lipstick. A bold lipstick in a warm color will provide a startling contrast with your blue eyes. A classic red is a great choice, but any warm-toned red, pink, orange, or brown will look great.
- Avoid cool-toned lipsticks like blue, purple, and black-these can wash out your eyes.

1 Choose blue shades that complement your eye color. A blue outfit can draw attention to your eyes, but the wrong shade of blue for your eye color can wash them out. A good rule of thumb is to avoid dull blues, neon blues, and blues that match the exact color of your eyes.
- If you have green-blue eyes, avoid turquoise or aqua blues-they’ll overwhelm your eyes. Try purple blues.
- If your eyes are gray-blue, try a baby blue.
- Bright blue eyes will look amazing in a royal blue outfit.
- Navy blue looks good with any color blue eyes.
2 Avoid warm-toned clothes. If you have blue eyes, you most likely have a cool-toned complexion. Warm-toned clothing can clash with cool-toned skin. Avoid oranges, reds, and yellows so you don’t distract from your eyes.
3 Use gold, brown, or copper accessories. Jewelry, hair clips, hats, and scarves in browns, oranges, and warm metallics will draw attention to your blue eyes-especially if they’re near your face! They’re a great option if you’d rather not wear an entire orange-toned outfit.
- If you wear glasses, consider getting gold or tortoiseshell frames to bring out the blue in your eyes.
- Try a gold hair clip near your face to bring out your eyes.
- An orange or rust-colored scarf will draw attention to your eyes.
4 Add small pops of blue to your outfit. Adding touches of blue to your outfit will draw even more attention to your eyes. Try wearing blue jewelry, shoes, or bags. You can also pick clothes that have blue patterns or stripes.
- Turquoise jewelry is a great way to bring in a little blue.
5 Try wearing all black. An all-black outfit can give you a dramatic flair that draws attention to the only spot of color on you-your beautiful blue eyes! This look works especially well with bold, dramatic eye makeup.
- This look is best for those with light, bright, green, or purple-blue eyes. Gray and dark blue eyes can be lost in all black.
- If you don’t want to wear an all-black outfit, try wearing a black hat or scarf to frame your face.

1 Get bangs to draw attention to your eyes. A great way to draw attention to your eyes is to cut your hair into bangs-people will follow your hair right to your eyes. Cutting them level with your brow line will give your eyes enough space and will keep your hair framing them.
- Be sure to get your bangs regularly trimmed. Nobody will notice your blue eyes if your hair’s in the way!
2 Try a short haircut to emphasize your eyes. A short, dramatic hairstyle like a pixie cut or a bob will draw attention to your face and put more emphasis on your eyes. Talk to your stylist about what short haircut will look best on you.
3 Layer your hair around your face. If you’d rather keep your hair long, consider cutting it in layers around your face. This will draw attention to your eyes by visually leading people to your face.
4 Part your hair to the side. You don’t have to cut your hair to bring out your blue eyes. Parting your hair far to one side will create a line from the top of your head all the way down the side of your face. This will draw people towards your eyes!
5 Pick a complementary hair color. You have lots of hair color options for blue eyes. If you want to go for a more natural look, anything with warm tones will emphasize blue eyes. Reds, auburns, blondes, and chestnut browns all set off blue eyes dramatically.
- Black hair is a great choice for cooler skin tones.
- If you want a non-natural color, avoid blues and greens. Your eyes can get lost in them. Try pinks, purples, or rose gold instead.

Add New Question

Question Does red make blue eyes pop? Alicia D’Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist Expert Answer Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Blue eyes pop the most when you have a dark color like black or brown on your lash line. That creates a sharp contrast with the lightness of the iris. However, you can also use cooler tones like grey, silver, or blue to bring out the variety of shades in your eye color, or opt for colors like pink and purple to change things up in spring and summer.
Question What color should I wear to make blue eyes pop? Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013. Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer
Question What colors make brown eyes pop? Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013. Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer

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Keep your eyebrows neatly groomed. This will focus attention on your eyes.

Advertisement Article Summary X If you want to make your blue eyes pop, try using makeup and clothes in colors that complement your eyes. Apply a light concealer under your eyes, which will conceal any dark rings that can distract from them. When you apply eye shadow, opt for a warm tone like beige or light gold to make your eyes stand out.

Then, dot a little light-colored eye liner in both corners of your eye to make it look bigger and brighter. Besides your makeup, choose clothes in a different tone of blue to make your eyes stand out, like baby blue for blue-grey eyes. Additionally, bring out the contrast in your eyes with warm-toned accessories, like orange or rust colored scarves or hair clips.

For tips from our Beauty co-author on how to style your hair to show off your blue eyes, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 295,777 times.