Can people have real violet eyes? Although it sounds incredible, purple eyes can indeed occur naturally in sporadic cases. This phenomenon is typically associated with light, iris structure, or specific genetic conditions. However, statistically, most people do not have the genetic basis for naturally purple eyes. To have such a mysterious charm, more people choose to achieve it by wearing purple colored contact lenses. Next, let’s explore the possibility and reasons behind the appearance of purple eyes.
What affects eye color?
Melanin Content and Distribution
Eye color is mainly determined by the content and distribution of melanin in the iris—more melanin results in darker eye colors like brown or black. Less melanin leads to lighter colors like blue or green. When the concentration of melanin in the front layer of the iris is high, it absorbs most of the light. This makes it appear dark brown. When the content is moderate, melanin and lip pigment work together to produce green. When the content is extremely low, light undergoes Rayleigh scattering in the iris. This is similar to the principle of the sky turning blue, and it appears blue or gray.
Genetic influence
The HERC2 and OCA2 genes mainly regulate eye color. These genes determine pupil color by controlling the synthesis and distribution of melanin in the iris.
HERC2: This gene indirectly affects the amount of melanin produced in the iris. It does this by regulating the expression level of the OCA2 gene.
OCA2: This gene directly encodes a protein. The protein participates in the biosynthesis of melanin. It affects the final content of melanin in the iris.
Age
Most babies are born with lighter eye color. This is usually blue or gray. The melanin in their irises has not yet fully developed.
As babies age, their melanocytes begin to produce melanin. Their eye color may gradually darken or change over time. For example, it may shift from blue to green or brown. These changes can occur within a few months to a few years after birth.
Light Conditions
Eye color can look different in different lighting conditions. This is because the intensity, angle, and color temperature of the light affect how the iris reflects and scatters light.
The formation of purple eyes occurs due to a gene mutation. This leads to an extreme lack of melanin in the iris. It is combined with the reflection of blood vessels and the scattering of light, creating a special visual effect.
Most people can only form blue eyes due to the influence of melanin. They will produce purple visual effects when exposed to light. Let’s take a look at how naturally purple eyes are formed.
Purple eyes formation
Albinism
The irises of people with albinism are almost unable to produce melanin due to a genetic defect. In this extreme lack of pigment, most of the light entering the eye cannot be absorbed. Instead, it directly penetrates the iris to the back of the eyeball. When the light hits the retina at the back of the eyeball, it illuminates an area full of blood vessels. The red color of these blood vessels is reflected through the almost transparent iris.
In contrast, some short-wavelength blue light enters the eye. The structure of the iris scatters it (Rayleigh scattering). The red color of the blood vessels mixes with the scattered blue light. This mixture may cause the patient’s eyes to appear in unique shades of purple or violet under certain lighting conditions.
Other diseases
Waardenburg Syndrome：
Symptoms: People with Waardenburg Syndrome may have heterochromia. This could mean two eyes of different colors or areas of different colors within one eye. They may also have very light eye colors, including light blue or, in some cases, a shade of purple.
Certain eye inflammations (Uveitis):
Showing: Although uncommon, inflammation can sometimes cause the iris to become lighter in color. Under certain lighting conditions, it can make the eye appear slightly violet or bluish. This is because of the loss of pigment and changes in light scattering.
Alexander Syndrome
The exact origins of the “Alexandria’s Genesis” myth are not entirely clear. However, it is generally believed to have come from fictional stories on the Internet. This is especially true for fan fiction. Symptoms of this disease include：
Eye Color: Eyes are blue or gray at birth. They turn purple or violet within six to 12 months. This color remains throughout life.
Vision: They have perfect vision, even at night.
Hair: They have almost no hair on their body except for their hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Hair is usually dark (brown, black, dark red) and does not change color.
Immunity: They have a strong immune system and are immune to all diseases (including the common cold).
Lifespan: They have an extremely long lifespan and are said to live to 150 years or more.
Skin Color: They have fair skin but will not burn from the sun, only turning light brown.
Body Type: They are slim, well-proportioned, and do not easily gain weight.
It is not a scientific discovery or a result of medical research. It lacks a scientific basis and contradicts basic biological principles. Therefore, we need to understand that it does not exist in reality, but is merely a fiction on the Internet.
Conclusion
Purple eyes do exist in a minimal number of people and are a precious gift from nature. This dreamy eye color is difficult to obtain naturally. However, you can still easily experience this unique charm by wearing colored contact lenses.
