One of the most important characteristics that determine facial appearance is the colour of the eye. Human eye colour is genetically determined. The amount of melanin pigment and lipochrome in the Iris is responsible for eye colour and its complex patterns. But did you know that the genes expressed in the Iris are also associated with personality traits and behavioural tendencies? Some insights to this are given in our article Iridology: Seeing is believing!

Can your Iris change colour?

Interestingly the final adult colour is not present at birth. The colour of the Iris at birth is either blue or slate grey depending on ethnicity. An individual’s true colour develops between 3 to 5 months. The complex patterns of the Iris contain distinct features, which are unique to each individual. These tissue patterns can be used as a reliable basis for automatic personal identification. The Iris is often believed to be more accurate that the fingerprint for identification. Iris colour generally does not change.  Variations in lighting can give an illusion of change of colour. Some conditions that cause a dispersion of pigment or use of certain drugs may cause a colour change.

What are the main Iris colours?

There are three primary colour groups, blue, brown or mixed.  Within each of the colours there are many different shades.

Blue Eyes

Blue eyes are associated with fair complexions, often with blond hair. The colour can vary in shading from blue to blue/grey.  People with blue eyes have a tendency to suffer from childhood ear, nose and throat problems and an overactive lymphatic system, which can lead to swollen glands.  People with blue eyes may also be susceptible to asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis. Hyperacidity is often apparent in the eye. These people may develop conditions such as arthritis, rheumatics and/or osteoporosis as they age.

Brown Eyes

We associate brown eyes with people who have an olive complexion and dark hair and from physically strong ethnic backgrounds.  Brown eyed people are generally prone to have digestive disorders and gastrointestinal weakness. They often get liver congestion and problems with bile production. Poor circulation and congestive conditions such as spider veins, varicose veins and haemorrhoids are common.

Mixed Colour

Mixed colour is a combination of blue and brown and can appear to be various shades of hazel, green and/or with a visible blue base. People with these eyes have a tendency towards sluggish liver and gall bladder conditions and have an emphasis on digestive weakness. They also have a tendency for diabetes.

What is the difference between Iris colour and constitution?

Constitution is unique. It is a snapshot of the disposition we have as a result of our genetic inheritance. It is a unique representation of our parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Our constitution is a combination of our eye colour, structural type and accumulation signs.     Article by Naturopath Janne Ramsay