Why do some people have blue, green, or brown eyes?
Quick Answer
Eye color depends on how much melanin is in the iris and how the iris structure scatters light. Several genes are involved, with OCA2 and HERC2 among the best known.
The Full Story
Eye color is determined by both pigment and optics. Brown eyes have more melanin in the iris, while blue eyes have less pigment and appear blue because light is scattered in the iris tissue. Green and hazel eyes fall in between, with different pigment levels and light scattering patterns creating their mixed appearance. The genetics of eye color involve several genes, not just one, and eye color can sometimes shift slightly in early childhood as pigment develops.
Key Facts
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"Why eyes come in so many colors"
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