Factors Affecting Eye Color of Newborns

Looking into your newborn gives you the most joy that you have ever felt. Isn’t it? Many new parents are so curious to know the permanent colour of the baby’s eyes and this is the most common question that they ask when they consult with a paediatrician. Doctors usually advise not to predict the baby’s eye colour until he or she turns 9 months or even 1 year. In this blog, we are going to discuss does the eye colour of the newborn ever changes. Read ahead to get the full information.

What is Eye Colour?

When we are talking about eye colour, we generally refer to the colour of the Iris. Iris is a muscular ring-like structure around the pupils that controls the amount of light that enters the eyes. The pupil would always be black except in flash photographs. The white region known as the sclera would remain white forever. In temporary cases, the whites may appear yellow due to Jaundice or inflammation causing them to be red or pink. If you come across this, then check in with your baby’s doctor for a prescription.

Read Also>>> MANAGE YOUR HEALTH WITH EASY TIPS!!

Eye Colour Changes Over Months and Probably Years

The Iris consists of a protein pigment known as Melanin which also plays an important role in determining the baby’s hair and skin colour. In human bodies, specialized cells known as melanocytes are present and their role is to secrete Melanin. It is difficult to predict eye colour in the initial months because the newborn baby’s body changes with the presence and role of melanin.

If the amount of melanin secreted is a little less then your baby’s eye colour will be blue. On the other hand, if melanocytes get a little more active then the eyes would look green or hazel. If  Melanin is super active in the newborn’s body then the eye colour would be brown which is the common eye colour.

The role of Melanin in the eyes usually takes place for 6 months to even one year. The changes in the baby’s eye colour would slow down after the mentioned span and can be predicted with the permanent eye colour.

Genetics also play a huge role in predicting the baby’s eye colour

Genetic and other variables determine the amount of Melanin produced and can influence eye colour. Parents who are blessed with darker skin tones and dark eyes would generally have a baby with brown eyes which is the common eye colour. Blue-eyed parents with lighter skin tones are likely to have a blue-eyed child.

There can be even times when recessive genes would be passed on to the offspring and the exact eye colour can’t be determined. For example, if one of the grandparents has blue eyes or even green eyes, the chances of getting an offspring with blue eyes would go up ad even vice versa.

A rarest genetic condition known as Waardenburg Syndrome happens if your child has one brown eye and one blue eye. If this is found, bring it to your doctor’s notice as soon as possible.

What is the likelihood of having a baby with brown eyes?

About 75% of the world's population has brown eyes, so it is most likely if both the parents have brown eyes. If one of the parents has blue or green eyes then the offspring would be blessed with hazel or brown eyes.

Read Also>>> Manage your diabetes through healthy lifestyle!!