Babies’ eye colors can change during their first year of life, and it is not possible to predict whether their eyes will get lighter or darker after birth.
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Based on my expertise as an optometrist, I can provide a detailed answer to the question of whether babies’ eyes get lighter or darker after birth. It is important to note that babies’ eye color at birth is usually not their permanent eye color. The final eye color is typically determined by the amount and distribution of melanin in the iris, which can change in the first year of life.
During the first six to nine months after birth, many babies’ eye colors undergo changes. It is not uncommon for babies with light-colored eyes, such as blue or gray, to experience a darkening of their eye color. On the other hand, babies with darker eye colors, like brown, may see their eyes becoming lighter.
The reason behind these changes lies in the amount of melanin produced by the melanocytes in the iris. Melanin is responsible for determining the eye color and its distribution. As babies grow, the melanocytes become more active, producing more melanin, which can result in a deepening of color. Alternatively, if the melanocytes produce less melanin, the eyes may appear lighter.
There is a popular belief that eye color can be predicted by observing the parents’ eye colors. While it is true that genetics play a role in determining eye color, it is not an accurate predictor in all cases. Eye color is a complex trait influenced by multiple genes, and there can be variations and surprises in the outcome.
To illustrate this point further, let’s look at a quote from a renowned geneticist, Dr. Kevin Mitchell: “The genetics of eye color are complex and influenced by several genes. It is not as simple as inheriting a single gene from each parent, but rather a combination of multiple genes that interact to produce the final eye color.”
To provide a comprehensive understanding of this topic, here are some interesting facts about babies’ eye color changes:
- Most babies are born with blue or gray eyes due to the low levels of melanin in their irises.
- The majority of babies with European ancestry have blue or gray eyes at birth.
- African, Asian, and Hispanic babies often have darker eye colors, such as brown or black, right from birth.
- The process of eye color change usually stabilizes by the end of the first year, but subtle changes can continue to occur throughout childhood.
- Excessive exposure to sunlight can stimulate the production of more melanin, potentially affecting the eye color change in babies.
In summary, babies’ eye colors can change during their first year of life, and it is not possible to predict whether their eyes will get lighter or darker after birth. This process is influenced by the amount and distribution of melanin in the iris, which can vary individually. Genetics play a role in eye color determination, but it is a complex trait influenced by multiple genes. It’s a fascinating phenomenon to witness as a healthcare professional and serves as another reminder of the uniqueness of each individual.
Table:
| Eye Color at Birth | Possible Changes |
|---|---|
| Blue/Gray | Lighter or Darker |
| Green or Hazel | Lighter or Darker |
| Brown | Lighter or Darker |
| Black | Lighter or No Change |
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Moorjani says. Over several weeks or months, you may notice your baby’s eyes getting darker. The change is so gradual that you may not notice until, one day, they wake up and surprise you with a different eye color! By 12 months, most babies will have their permanent eye color, although Dr.
Do newborns eyes get lighter or darker? As a general rule of thumb, baby eye color tends to get darker if it changes. So if your child has blue eyes, they may turn to green, hazel or brown. “The changes are always going to go from light to dark, not the reverse,” Jaafar says.
Do newborns eyes get lighter or darker? Baby eyes often become darker if their hue changes, on average. As a result, if your child has blue eyes, they might eventually change green, hazel, or brown. The transitions will always be from light to dark, not the other way around, claims Jaafar.
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How long after birth do babies eyes change color?
between six and nine months
As more melanin develops, the eyes can darken to green, hazel, or brown. Predicting when your child’s eyes will stop changing color can vary. “The range of time when a baby will develop their ‘true’ eye color varies, but it usually happens between six and nine months of age,” Dr. Zepeda says.
Do eyes get lighter or darker after birth?
As a response to this: As a general rule of thumb, baby eye color tends to get darker if it changes. So if your child has blue eyes, they may turn to green, hazel or brown. “The changes are always going to go from light to dark, not the reverse,” Jaafar says.
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Can you tell a babies eye color as a newborn?
Because it takes about a year for melanocytes to finish their work it can be a dicey business calling eye color before the baby’s first birthday. The color change does slow down some after the first 6 months of life, but there can be plenty of change left at that point.
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Will my newborns eyes lighten?
Since melanocytes respond to light, at birth a baby may have eyes that appear gray or blue mostly due to the lack of pigment and because he’s been in a dark womb up until now. As he’s exposed to more light, over time (even several years) his eye color can change.
Why are my Baby’s eyes dark at birth?
As a response to this: With that said, a baby born with already genetically high melanin levels, such as those with darker skin, may already have darker eyes at birth. In these cases, the eyes frequently stay relatively dark. As your baby is exposed to light outside the womb and during their first year of life, their body produces melanin.
Do Baby eyes change color?
And surprisingly, eye color may continue to change into adulthood for up to 10% of the population. It’s another change that’s exciting to observe in your little one. Many newborn baby eyes appear blue or gray, and whether or not this color changes frequently depends on the parents’ eye colors.
Why do newborn babies have blue eyes?
The reply will be: In other words, the pigmentation of the iris hasn’t developed due to the absence of light. This is why many newborn baby eyes are light or appear blue early on. With that said, a baby born with already genetically high melanin levels, such as those with darker skin, may already have darker eyes at birth.
Does my baby’s skin color change with age?
Congratulations! Regarding her skin color, it is completely normal that your baby’s complexion is becoming darker with age. Most babies are relatively fair when newborn, but depending on race and genes, the baby’s skin then changes during the first year to its real color. So there is no need to worry at all!
Will My Baby’s eyes change color?
If you baby was born with blue, grey, or green eyes, you may wonder whether they’ll stay that way. In fact, your little one’s eyes will likely change color by the end of the first year. They may become darker, greener, hazel, or turn completely brown.
How long does a child’s eyes stay dark after birth?
Eyes that are a darker shade from birth tend to stay dark, while some eyes that began a lighter shade will also darken as melanin production increases. This typically occurs over their first year of life, with the color change slowing down after 6 months.
Do black babies have brown eyes?
Response to this: Typically, Caucasian babies are born with gray-blue eyes that may or may not change to a darker, browner color depending on how much melanin develops. Whereas black or Hispanic babies have more melanin to start with and, therefore, are more likely to be born with brown eyes that won’t change color. Brown is the most common eye color worldwide.
Why do babies have dark eyes?
The reply will be: The amount of melanin your baby produces – and other factors contributing to your eye colour – are determined by genetics. Often, babies whose heritage is dark-skinned may be born with – or eventually have – darker coloured eyes, and the opposite is true for children of lighter-skinned parents.