It is rare, but possible for a person to have true silver colored eyes. Silver eyes are not just light blue or gray eyes, but have a distinct metallic silver appearance. There are a few different causes of silver eyes in humans. The most common causes are high levels of lipochromes, argyrosis from exposure to silver, and heterochromia. While unusual, silver eyes are a real eye color that some people are born with or acquire due to environmental factors.
What Causes Silver Eyes?
There are three main causes of silver eyes in humans:
High Lipochrome Levels
Lipochromes are pigments that determine eye color. They contain fatty yellow compounds called xanthophylls and carotenoids. People with high levels of lipochromes in their irises can develop silver-colored eyes. The abundance of these yellow pigments results in a metallic silver appearance. This is a genetic condition and is present from birth.
Argyrosis
Argyrosis is a condition that causes a person’s eyes and skin to turn blue-gray or silver due to high exposure to chemical forms of the element silver. Silver compounds can deposit in the eyes and are not flushed out over time. This can permanently discolor the eyes and skin. Argyrosis mainly occurs in people who work with silver and are exposed to it daily. Silver salts used in some medical treatments can also cause argyrosis.
Heterochromia
Heterochromia refers to eyes that are different colors. It can be inherited genetically or caused by genetic mosaicism, chimerism, disease, or injury. In rare cases, heterochromia can result in one silver eye and one eye of another color. The melanin levels are different in each eye, leading to unusual eye colors.
Prevalence of Silver Eyes
Silver eyes are very rare. Exact statistics are unknown, but it is estimated that less than 1% of people worldwide have truly silver colored eyes. The prevalence is likely higher in populations exposed to excess silver. Individuals with congenital heterochromia or high lipochrome levels at birth are more likely to have silver eyes. Those with injuries causing heterochromia later in life may also develop the condition.
Famous People with Silver Eyes
There are a few celebrities and public figures that have authentic silver eyes:
- Elizabeth Taylor – The late actress had a genetic mutation that gave her double rows of eyelashes and silver blue eyes.
- Robert Pattinson – The Twilight actor has light gray eyes that sometimes photograph as silver.
- Alexander Skarsgård – The Swedish actor’s eyes appear icy blue or silver in certain lighting.
- Mila Kunis – Her eyes are a remarkable green hazel that can look silver at times.
These individuals show that silver eyes do naturally occur, though they are a unique trait. Elizabeth Taylor’s eye color was genetically verified, while the other stars may have lighting effects contributing to their eye appearance.
Can You Wear Contacts to Get Silver Eyes?
It is possible to enhance your natural eye color with colored contact lenses. Opaque cosmetic contacts that cover the entire iris are available to mimic uniquely colored eyes. Silver colored contacts create a flashy metallic look for theatrical performances or costumery.
The downside is that opaque contacts can obstruct vision and are not suitable for regular, prolonged wear. Translucent contacts that tint the natural eye color are safer, but cannot completely transform brown eyes to look silver. Contact lenses also carry a risk of eye irritation and infection if not properly handled.
Eye Conditions Associated with Silver Eyes
A few ocular conditions are linked to silver eye color:
Ocular Argyrosis
Argyrosis affecting the eyes typically turns them a blue-gray color. This is caused by silver deposits in the conjunctiva and cornea from exposure to silver particles or medication. Mild argyrosis may be asymptomatic, while heavy exposure can cause vision deterioration. Stopping contact with silver sources can prevent further discoloration. Damage is permanent, but generally not severe.
Tapetum Lucidum
The tapetum lucidum is a reflective layer behind the retina that makes eyes glow in low light. Humans do not normally have a tapetum lucidum, but it can rarely occur. Its presence causes silver-blue colored eyes due to light reflection. Vision is unaffected, but imaging may show retinal abnormalities.
Colobomas
Ocular colobomas are birth defects where parts of the eye do not form correctly. Colobomas of the iris can result in a keyhole-shaped pupil and abnormal coloration. Depending on the extent of iris defects, colobomas can cause pupils to appear silver or white. They lead to vision problems like photophobia and blindness.
| Condition | Cause | Silver Eye Color? | Vision Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocular Argyrosis | Silver deposits in eyes | Blue-gray eyes | Mild vision loss |
| Tapetum Lucidum | Extra retina layer | Reflective silver eyes | None |
| Colobomas | Birth defect | Partial silver color | Vision problems |
Can You Have Silver Eyes Without Health Conditions?
It is possible for people to naturally have silver eyes without underlying health issues. However, truly silver eyes with zero pigmentation are extremely rare. Most silver-eyed individuals have genetic conditions or high lipochrome content explaining the eye color.
Having complete heterochromia with one silver eye and one regular eye likely involves genetic or developmental conditions. Bilateral silver eyes almost always has a genetic cause. But there are no significant health problems associated with naturally silver eyes themselves. The eye color alone is not dangerous or detrimental if it occurs benignly.
Conclusion
In summary, silver eyes are possible, but very unusual in humans. They can occur naturally from birth due to genetics, or develop later in life from environmental factors. Silver eyes result from increased lipochromes, argyrosis, heterochromia, and possibly tapetum lucidum. A small number of celebrities have genuinely silver colored eyes. While eye conditions may prompt the unique color in some cases, silver eyes themselves do not directly impair vision or health. So in rare circumstances, people can have icy silver eyes without underlying pathology. But the requirements make them exceptionally uncommon. Silver eyes stand out as an exotic and prized eye color.
