Natural Purple Eyes: Rarity, Causes, And How To Get Them

Have you ever wondered about the allure of natural purple eyes? This captivating eye color is incredibly rare and often shrouded in mystery and fascination. In this article, we'll delve into the reality behind purple eyes, exploring the genetic factors that contribute to eye color, debunking myths, and discussing how to achieve a purple-eyed look if you weren't born with it. Let's explore the enchanting world of purple eyes!

The Genetics of Eye Color

Understanding the genetics of eye color is key to understanding why natural purple eyes are so rare. Eye color is primarily determined by the amount and type of melanin in the iris. Melanin, the same pigment responsible for skin and hair color, comes in two main forms: eumelanin (which produces brown and black hues) and pheomelanin (which produces red and yellow hues). The more melanin you have in your iris, the darker your eyes will be. So, what about purple?

The genes that control eye color are complex and not fully understood, but the main player is the OCA2 gene. This gene helps regulate the amount of melanin produced in the iris. Variations in the OCA2 gene, along with other genes like HERC2, can lead to different levels of melanin and, consequently, different eye colors. Brown eyes are the most common, resulting from a high concentration of eumelanin. Blue eyes, on the other hand, occur when there's a low amount of melanin. Green and hazel eyes are somewhere in between, with varying amounts of both eumelanin and pheomelanin.

So, where does purple fit in? The truth is, true purple eyes resulting solely from genetics are exceptionally rare. The appearance of purple or violet eyes is usually due to a combination of factors, including genetics, lighting, and the perception of color. For example, people with very light blue eyes might appear to have a purplish tint under certain lighting conditions due to the way light scatters and reflects off the iris. Additionally, some individuals with albinism, a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin, may have eyes that appear violet or reddish due to the visibility of blood vessels in the iris. However, this is not the same as having naturally purple pigmented irises.

It's also important to note the role of genetics in determining the overall structure and translucency of the iris. A thinner or more translucent iris might allow more light to pass through, potentially influencing the perceived color. Furthermore, individual variations in the distribution of collagen fibers in the iris can affect how light is scattered, leading to subtle differences in eye color appearance. While genetics provide the blueprint, the final expression of eye color is a complex interplay of various factors.

The Myth of True Purple Eyes

Okay, let's tackle the myth of true purple eyes. You've probably heard stories or seen images online claiming that some people are born with naturally purple eyes. While the idea is captivating, the reality is a bit more nuanced. Pure, naturally occurring purple eyes, in the sense of irises with purple pigment, are extremely rare, if not nonexistent.

The legend of violet eyes is often associated with Elizabeth Taylor, whose eyes were famously described as violet. However, her eyes were actually a deep blue, which, under specific lighting conditions and with the help of makeup, could appear to have a violet hue. This highlights the importance of lighting and perception in how we see eye color.

One condition sometimes linked to purple eyes is albinism. Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes. In individuals with albinism, the iris may appear pink or reddish due to the visibility of blood vessels. In rare cases, this can create a violet-like appearance, especially in certain lighting. However, this is not the same as having purple pigment in the iris itself.

Another factor contributing to the myth is the power of photography and digital manipulation. Photos can be easily edited to enhance or change eye color, leading to the false impression that purple eyes are more common than they are. It's essential to be critical of images you see online and to consider the possibility of alterations.

It's also worth mentioning that the perception of color is subjective and can vary from person to person. What one person perceives as purple, another might see as blue or violet. This subjectivity further complicates the idea of true purple eyes. While the quest for truly purple eyes might be a romantic notion, understanding the science behind eye color helps us appreciate the beautiful and diverse range of hues that naturally occur.

Conditions That Can Cause a Purplish Hue

While natural purple eyes are incredibly rare, certain conditions can lead to a purplish or violet hue in the eyes. Understanding these conditions can help differentiate between true purple pigmentation and other factors that might cause a similar appearance.

As mentioned earlier, albinism can sometimes result in eyes that appear violet or reddish. This is due to the lack of melanin in the iris, which allows the blood vessels to be more visible. The red from the blood vessels, combined with the blueish hue of the iris (caused by light scattering), can create a violet-like effect. However, it's important to remember that this is a result of the absence of pigment rather than the presence of purple pigment.

Another condition that can affect eye color is heterochromia. Heterochromia is a condition where a person has different colored eyes (complete heterochromia) or different colors within the same iris (partial heterochromia). While heterochromia itself doesn't directly cause purple eyes, the contrast between different colors in the iris might create the illusion of a purplish hue in certain areas.

Certain medications or medical conditions can also affect eye color, although this is rare. For example, some eye drops used to treat glaucoma can cause changes in iris pigmentation over time. However, these changes usually result in a darkening of the iris rather than a shift towards purple.

It's also important to consider the role of lighting and environment. Certain types of lighting, such as ultraviolet light, can affect the way we perceive color. Additionally, the colors of clothing and makeup can influence how eye color appears. For example, wearing purple clothing or using purple eyeshadow might enhance the violet tones in blue or gray eyes.

In summary, while true purple eyes are extremely rare, several factors can contribute to a purplish hue in the eyes. These include albinism, heterochromia, certain medications, and environmental factors. Understanding these conditions can help us appreciate the complexity of eye color and the various factors that can influence its appearance.

How to Get the Purple Eye Look

So, you're fascinated by natural purple eyes but weren't born with them? Don't worry, there are several ways to achieve the purple-eyed look without resorting to genetic engineering! Here's how:

1. Colored Contact Lenses

The most straightforward way to get purple eyes is by using colored contact lenses. Numerous brands offer a variety of purple and violet shades, ranging from subtle enhancements to vibrant, eye-catching hues. When choosing colored contacts, it's crucial to consult with an eye doctor to ensure a proper fit and to rule out any potential risks. Poorly fitting contacts can cause discomfort, irritation, and even damage to your eyes. Always purchase contacts from a reputable source and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and care.

2. Makeup Magic

Makeup can be a powerful tool for enhancing your natural eye color and creating the illusion of purple eyes. Using purple eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras can bring out the violet tones in your eyes, especially if you have blue or gray eyes. Experiment with different shades and techniques to find what works best for you. For example, using a dark purple eyeliner on the upper lash line and a lighter purple eyeshadow on the lid can create depth and dimension. Adding a touch of shimmer or glitter can further enhance the effect. Don't forget to consider your skin tone and hair color when choosing your makeup shades. Cool-toned purples tend to look best on people with fair skin and cool undertones, while warmer purples can complement warmer skin tones.

3. Lighting and Wardrobe

The environment you're in and the clothes you wear can also influence how your eye color appears. Certain types of lighting can enhance the violet tones in your eyes, while others can wash them out. Experiment with different lighting conditions to see what works best. Additionally, wearing purple clothing or accessories can create a visual connection that makes your eyes appear more purple. Colors like lavender, violet, and plum can all enhance the purple tones in your eyes. Even neutral colors like gray and black can make your eyes stand out more.

4. Photo Editing

If you're looking to create a purple-eyed look for photos, photo editing software can be a quick and easy solution. Numerous apps and programs allow you to change your eye color with just a few clicks. However, it's important to use photo editing responsibly and to be transparent about any alterations you make. While it can be fun to experiment with different eye colors in photos, it's important to remember that true purple eyes are extremely rare.

Embrace Your Natural Beauty

While the allure of natural purple eyes is undeniable, it's important to remember that all eye colors are beautiful and unique. Whether you have brown, blue, green, or hazel eyes, embrace your natural beauty and appreciate the features that make you who you are. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, focus on enhancing your natural features and expressing your individuality. And if you still want to rock the purple-eyed look, remember that there are plenty of ways to achieve it with colored contacts, makeup, lighting, and a little bit of creativity. Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin (and eyes!).