Every parent has tried to predict their baby’s eye color. Some consult medical experts, and some consult “more relevant” sources, such as search engines.
Nonetheless, debating and guessing your yet-to-be-born baby’s eye color is fun for every parent. But what is the deciding factor for your baby’s eye color?
Well, everything lies in the fundamentals of human reproduction- genetics. Yes, a genetic code written among unique DNA cells determines your baby’s eye color.
And things can get quite intriguing when predicting eye color. So, in this article, we’ll unveil our scientific side and talk about eye color genetics.
How Is Eye Color Determined (Eye Color Chart)
In the following paragraphs, we’ll go into the details of the genetic system and find out how your baby’s eye color is determined.
· The Science Behind Eye Color Inheritance
Every human trait has its own genes. Genes can have multiple variations. These variations are called alleles.
To make things simpler, the genes for eye color have different alleles (in other words, different colors). Every person has a complex combination of genes and alleles passed on by biological parents.
So, when you want to predict your baby’s eye color, you should look at your and your partner’s eye colors.
· Factors Influencing Eye Color Variation
A major factor influencing a person’s eye color is the pigmentation of the front layer of the iris with a pigment called melanin.
For example, a high amount of melanin creates a brown eye color, while a low amount of melanin creates a blue eye color.
But what determines the amount of melanin? Well, you probably guessed it. It’s genetics! Other factors, such as food, sun, and even stress, can also cause changes in eye color.
Common Eye Colors in Babies
In the following paragraphs, we’ll look at some common eye colors you can expect in your babies.
· Blue Eyes in Children: Unraveling the Genetic Blueprint
Expert studies state that blue eyes are a result of a gene variation that lowers the amount of P protein, a protein responsible for the creation of melanin.
So, low amounts of melanin result in blue eye color. But why are some blue eyes dark, and some are light?
I think you’re probably bored by the answer right now. The different shades of blue eyes are determined by genetics and the amount of melanin in the iris!
· Green Eyes: Nature’s Unique Hue
The blue for green eyes is dominant over the gene for blue eyes, but it’s recessive to the brown eye gene.
So, it really seems like green eyes are the perfect middle. Also, they’re considered a beauty standard among many cultures.
Green eyes are mostly associated with parts of northern Europe, especially the countries of Scotland and Ireland.
· Brown Eyes: The Dominant Trait Explained
Ah, brown eyes, the most dominant of all eye colors. So, if you pass brown eye genes to your baby, the chances of it having brown eyes are very high.
Moreover, brown eyes can come in different shades as well. Lower amounts of melanin create a lighter shade of brown.
Brown eye color is also the most common eye color in the world. Studies even show that 10,000 years ago, everyone had brown eyes!
· Hazel Eyes: A Blend of Genetics
An unusual yet very attractive eye color is hazel. Only about 5% of people in the world have hazel eyes. Hazel eyes are most common in South America, North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East.
Hazel eyes are a combination of different colors, including brown, gold, green, amber, and blue. The genes for hazel eyes are responsible for a medium amount of melanin in the iris, hence the hazel color.
Unusual and Rare Eye Colors
We quickly went over the common eye colors. Now it’s time to talk about some rare eye colors.
· Gray Eyes
Have you ever heard of gray eyes? Well, if you thought they were just a myth, you’re very wrong.
Gray eyes are a result of low levels of melanin and high levels of collagen. They are present in only 3% of people in the world!
Many celebrities like Pink, Clint Eastwood, Prince Andrew, Angelina Jolie, and others have gray eyes.
· Amber Eyes
Studies show that about 5% of people (mainly in Asia and South America) have a yellowish eye color called amber.
Amber eyes are a complex genetic phenomenon caused by low levels of melanin and high level of pheomelanin and eumelanin.
· Heterochromia
Another eye color phenomenon is heterochromia, having different colors on each eye. Heterochromia is quite rare and can be caused by genetics, disease, injuries, stress, or trauma.
But seeing a person with heterochromia can still be quite an experience since it’s such a rare condition.
Can you Predict Your Baby’s Eye Color?
In the following paragraphs, we’ll break down the process of predicting your baby’s eye color.
· Predicting Eye Color in Newborns
Predicting your newborn’s eye color is quite easy, especially in today’s digital era. The best tool for predicting a baby’s eye color is called a Punnet Square. You can find these tables with a simple search.
Moreover, there are online tools that automatically predict your newborn’s eye color. Some of them are babyMed, Baby Riddle, Mom Junction, etc.
· Surprises in Eye Color Inheritance
Eye color genetics aren’t always simple. There are many mutations and environmental factors that can cause unexpected eye colors.
For example, parents with blue eyes colors can still have a child with brown eyes. Genetics is truly amazing!
And there are even circumstances when eye colors change over time due to disease, trauma, environment, etc.
When can you tell a child’s eye color?
You can tell a child’s eye color when they’re about nine months old. But color changes may happen until the child’s first birthday.
Do all newborns have blue eyes?
No, that’s just a myth. Statistically, more newborns have a brown eye color rather than a blue eye color.
At what age do blue eyes change?
Blue eyes can change when the baby is about nine months old. But changes can happen even when the child is bigger.
FAQ
Can a child’s eye color be different from both parents’ eye colors?
Yes, that phenomenon can be caused by gene variations and mutations.
Can a child’s eye color change as they grow older?
Experts claim that a child’s eye color can change up to the age of six.
Can diet or nutrition affect a child’s eye color?
There is no solid evidence that eye color can be changed by food.
What is the most common eye color globally?
The most common eye color is brown.
Do children get their mother’s or father’s eyes?
Children inherit their eye color from both parents.
