Eye color is determined by the amount of melanin, a pigment-protein, in the iris. People of African ancestry often have brown eyes because they’re born with more melanin than people of Caucasian ancestry.
However, researchers have recently found that people of black ancestry can also have blue eyes. They believe this to be due to a genetic mutation.
Genetics
There are several genes that affect eye color. These genes are usually inherited from both parents and can have an effect on the appearance of your eyes. However, there are also some conditions that can cause eye color to vary a lot in people.
The most important gene for eye color is the OCA2 gene, which makes melanin, a substance that produces hair, skin and eyes pigmentation. Blue eyes are caused by a gene mutation on this gene, which changes how much melanin is produced in the body.
OCA2 is a very rare gene, but it plays a big role in eye color. Depending on how many copies of this gene you have in your body, you can either have blue eyes or brown eyes.
Another important gene is HERC2, which affects how the body produces melanin. There is also a gene called SLC24A5, which helps determine whether your eyes are blue or brown.
In addition to these major genes, there are many smaller genes that influence how your body metabolizes melanin. These genes often work together to make your eyes different colors, including green, hazel and brown.
This means that it is possible for black people to have blue eyes if they have one of the few genes that can cause them to have blue eyes. This is because the blue eye gene is very recessive, meaning that it only has a small chance of showing up in your child if both parents have it.
As you can see, the genetics of blue eyes is very complex and it has been a mystery for some time why this gene appears to be responsible for the trait. Researchers have been able to trace the origin of this genetic mutation back around 10,000 years ago, and it first appeared around the Black Sea region.
Now, it is estimated that there are around 17 percent of the world’s population that has blue eyes. This is a small number of people, but it is still an impressive statistic.
Although blue eyes are rare, they are extremely beautiful and can really set you apart from the rest of the population. They are a great accessory and can add an element of mystery to your appearance. If you are lucky, you might even get a few compliments on your blue eyes.
Ocular albinism
Black people with blue eyes are sometimes affected by ocular albinism, a rare condition that causes problems with the eye. The color of the iris of a person with ocular albinism may vary from blue to green or brown, and can darken as a person gets older.
Ocular albinism is an X-linked genetic disorder that affects only the eyes. The gene for this disorder is located on the X-chromosome, which makes men more likely to get it than women.
It’s estimated that about 1 in 20,000 Americans have ocular albinism. Most people with this condition have red or violet eyes, but some have green eyes as well.
The main eye problem in ocular albinism is underdevelopment of the fovea, the small area of the retina that affords sharp central vision. This occurs because the eyes do not have enough melanin pigment to develop normally before birth.
Affected individuals also have abnormalities involving the optic nerve, which conducts visual information from the eyes to the brain. The abnormalities can cause vision loss and lead to other eye problems, such as nystagmus (an uncontrollable rapid movement of the eyes) and strabismus (eyes that don’t look in the same direction).
Another eye problem is photophobia, sensitivity to light. This happens because the lack of pigment in the irises allows light to shine through them, making it difficult to see in very bright light.
Children with ocular albinism usually improve their vision as they grow up. However, some adults with ocular albinism still have trouble seeing.
If a person has ocular albinism, he should have regular eye exams to make sure that he doesn’t need glasses or contact lenses. He should also wear sunglasses when outdoors, especially in brightly lit areas.
Ocular albinism can be passed on to children in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, which means that a child needs 2 copies of the gene to have it. In most cases, one copy of the gene comes from each parent.
The ocular albinism gene is called GPR143, and it plays an important role in the pigmentation of the eyes. This gene changes in ocular albinism, which results in a loss of the ability to make the GPR143 protein. This reduces the amount of melanin in the irises and other parts of the eyes.
Waardenburg syndrome
Waardenburg syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the eyes, skin, and hearing. It is caused by mutations in genes, and it typically affects black people with blue eyes. It is named after Dutch ophthalmologist and geneticist Petrus Johannes Waardenburg, who first described it in 1951.
This condition is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It is characterized by lateral displacement of the medial canthi and lacrimal puncta, white forelock, iris heterochromia (one blue eye and one brown eye), and deafness. It also features a broad nasal root and bushy eyebrows.
There are several gene mutations that can cause this condition, including insertion, deletion, frameshifts, and missense mutations. Some of these mutations can lead to an increased risk for melanoma, while others may not be associated with any health problems.
The most common gene mutations in this condition are in the PAX3 and MITF genes. These genes are involved in eye development and pigmentation. During development, these genes regulate the amount of pigment in the retina and iris.
It is thought that the mutations in these genes influence how much pigment is produced during the development of the eye. The resulting depigmentation can make the eyes appear blue or gray.
These types of genetic disorders are rare, and they often go undiagnosed until a person is older. However, it is possible to treat some of these conditions.
Hair dye can help cover a white forelock, and cosmetics can lighten the appearance of white patches on your skin. You can also bleach your skin to lighten the color of lighter areas of your body. These treatments can be done at home or in the doctor’s office.
Some of these treatments are invasive, and they can require surgery. You should consult with a dermatologist before having any of these procedures done.
The most common treatment for this condition is a combination of medication and accommodative therapy. These medications can help you manage your symptoms and lead a normal life. You can also use accommodative therapy to help improve your digestion. This therapy is helpful for people with bowel problems related to Waardenburg syndrome.
Cosmetics
Blue eyes are a rare and beautiful trait in people with dark skin. There are many scientific and historical reasons for this phenomenon, but no matter what the reason is, black people with blue eyes are incredibly beautiful.
Whether you have natural or artificial blue eyes, you can always use cosmetics to enhance their beauty. For example, a simple winged eyeliner and mascara can make them look even more gorgeous.
You can also try highlighting your blue eyes with different shades of eyeshadow. Vanessa Williams, for instance, looks ethereal wearing rose gold shadow on her eyes. The best part is, this shade goes well with a light haircut and a glossy lip color.
Then, to complete your makeup look, wear long lashes to complement the color of your eyes. A brow ring can also work to accentuate the beauty of your blue eyes.
Another way to accentuate the beauty of your blue eyes is by opting for a blonde hair color. If you want to highlight the brightness of your eyes, choose a light or medium toned blonde that suits your skin color.
For example, a butterscotch blonde would look stunning with blue eyes and warm skin tone. Or, if you’re looking for a more neutral option, honey blonde is a great choice.
Terracotta, a warm orange color, is another trending hue that works wonderfully with blue eyes. It’s the perfect contrast to bright blue, so you can instantly amplify your irises.
A dark brown pencil liner is another way to add depth to your blue eyes. This will give them a dramatic yet subtle look, according to Chelsa Crowley, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Stowaway Cosmetics.
However, if you have very pale blue eyes, you should steer clear of heavy black eyeliner. It may overwhelm the delicate appearance of your eyes, she says. Instead, a lighter shade of brown will complement your blue eyes and make them pop.
For a look that’s a little more dramatic, try smudging a charcoal gray shadow on the top and lower lash lines. This creates a sultry smoky eye effect that’s ideal for evening. Then, finish your look with a dark blue mascara.