Quick Answer
It is rare, but possible for some people to naturally have yellow irises. This occurs due to a lack of melanin pigmentation in the iris, which results in the yellowish color underneath showing through. Certain diseases and conditions can also cause a person’s irises to turn yellow. However, for most people, yellow irises are not natural, and may be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs treatment.
What Causes Yellow Irises?
The iris is the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil. Its color is determined by the amount and type of melanin pigment present. Melanin is produced by melanocytes, specialized cells in the iris. Here are some reasons a person’s irises may appear yellow:
Low melanin pigmentation
Melanin gives the iris its color. People with less melanin have blue or grayish irises. A complete lack of melanin can result in yellow irises, as the yellowish color underneath shows through. This is rare and present from birth.
Ocular albinism
This genetic condition results in low melanin levels in the eyes, leading to yellow irises. People with ocular albinism often have very light skin and hair color as well.
Age-related changes
As people age, the iris may gradually lose its melanin pigment. This can cause the eyes to appear more yellowish.
Jaundice
Jaundice causes a yellow discoloration in the skin and eyes. It’s a symptom of high bilirubin levels, usually related to liver problems. The yellow in jaundice affects the sclera (whites of the eyes) first.
Glaucoma medications
Some glaucoma eye drop medications contain ingredients that can deposit in eye tissues. Over time, this may subtly yellow the eyes.
Inflammation
Certain inflammatory eye conditions can cause protein deposits and damage in the iris, turning it more yellow. Iritis, an inflammation of the iris, can also lead to yellow discoloration.
Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause glucose deposits in the iris that create a yellowish discoloration. This is rare and usually occurs with very high blood sugar levels.
Eye trauma
An eye injury that causes bleeding inside the eye (hyphema) can allow red blood cells to leak into and stain the iris, giving it a yellow-orange appearance. This is often temporary.
Optic nerves disorders
Any condition that damages the optic nerves, such as glaucoma, can potentially lead to iris discoloration and yellowing over time.
Medications
Certain antibiotics, immune system medications, and antipsychotic drugs may cause drug-induced eye pigmentation changes, resulting in yellowish irises in some instances.
Who is Most Likely to Have Yellow Irises?
Here are the people most likely to naturally have yellow irises:
– Those with ocular albinism, which primarily affects boys and young men
– People who have a genetic lack of melanin pigment in their irises that runs in their family
– Some ethnic groups, such as Eastern Europeans, are genetically more likely to have less iris pigment
– Older adults who have experienced age-related loss of iris pigment
– Those born with yellow eyes due to a complete lack of melanin
This is quite rare, as most babies are born with blue or gray eyes that darken over the first few years of life as melanin builds up in the iris. Complete absence of melanin is very uncommon.
For most others, yellow irises indicate an underlying problem such as jaundice, diabetes, glaucoma, or trauma. This especially warrants investigation if the yellow color is new or only affects one eye.
Is There Any Treatment?
Since a lack of melanin pigment causing yellow eyes is genetic, there’s no treatment for that. However, if a medical condition is causing eyes to turn yellow, treating the underlying problem may help restore the normal iris color.
Options may include:
– Treating jaundice to lower bilirubin levels
– Tight control of diabetes through diet, medication, and lifestyle
– Stopping glaucoma medications that are depositing in the eye
– Anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation from iritis
– Surgery in cases of hyphema to drain built up blood from the eye
– Medication adjustments if drugs are causing pigment changes
– Vision correction like glasses if needed for optic nerve disorders
Many cases do resolve on their own once the cause is addressed. However, some persisted yellowing may remain permanent. Artificial colored contacts can cosmetically cover yellow discoloration if desired.
When to See a Doctor
You should see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) right away if:
– One iris suddenly turns yellow
– Both irises become yellow rapidly
– Yellowing occurs with other worrisome symptoms like eye pain or vision changes
– You take medications known to affect eye color
– You have other health conditions associated with yellow eyes
– Your eyes become sensitive to light and you develop headaches
This can help identify or rule out a serious underlying problem. Even if there’s no specific treatment to reverse yellowing, getting prompt diagnosis and care is important for preserving vision and general eye health.
Conclusion
While possible, natural yellow irises are very rare, as most people produce enough melanin pigment for green, brown, or blue eyes. Yellow eyes are more commonly caused by temporary or permanent medical conditions. Since some of these can threaten vision or indicate a serious health issue, new onset of yellowish eye color should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist, especially if other symptoms develop too. With proper treatment of any underlying condition, the eyes may return to their normal color.
