4 Reasons Your Eye Color Might Change, According to an Ophthalmologist

There aren’t many medical conditions that will lead to a change in eye color, but the most well-known is called arcus senilis. Dr. Ashley Hayden explains exclusively to Glam that this is “the deposition of fats and cholesterol around the outside of the clear portion of the eye, the cornea” and “can result in a lighter appearance to your eyes.” Unlike glaucoma, which is a chronic eye disease, arcus senilis “is a normal part of aging and does not affect your vision.”

You don’t need treatment for arcus senilis, which tends to manifest as two light-colored rims on top of and underneath the outer cornea, sometimes joining into a full circle that borders the iris. This condition is no cause for concern in older adults, but when it happens to younger folks under the age of 45, it can be a sign of a genetic disorder called familial hyperlipidemia. This leads to increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and may enhance the risk of heart disease. So, if you develop white or gray rims around the iris as a younger person, visiting your doctor is worth it.

Along with sun damage and arcus senilis, there are a few other factors that can lead to a change in eye color for adults. The first, Dr. Ashley Hayden says, is cataracts, which “can cause the lens inside your eye to have a white appearance.” Unfortunately, cataracts come with unpleasant symptoms that will likely be more significant than aesthetics, including cloudy vision, color perception that appears yellow or faded, light sensitivity, and trouble seeing at night. These tend to develop slowly, with the symptoms only becoming noticeable later on. An optometrist might suggest prescription lenses to deal with cataracts in the beginning stages, but once they significantly affect your vision, you can get them surgically removed. Cataracts can be a natural part of aging, but they can be accelerated by UV exposure. If you’re in the market for a new pair of sunglasses, check out our guide on how to pick the best glasses for your face shape.

Next, Dr. Hayden exclusively tells Glam that you can also experience eye-color change as an adult after an injury or bleeding, or due to growths in the area. “If you have noticed your eye changing color, definitely see an eye care professional,” she recommends. “Eyes can become browner with growing ‘moles’ or nevuses or can atrophy and become lighter after trauma and surgery.” She surmises that medical conditions, sun damage, injury, and growths are really the only factors that lead to either temporary or permanent changes in eye color. Luckily, there are still plenty of simple, safe ways to get glamorous eyes, from experimenting with eye liner to wearing colored contacts.