Albinos' eyes aren't always the same color; they vary. The common misconception is that all albinos have red or pink eyes. This is inaccurate.
Eye Color Variations in Albinism
The color of an albino's irises can range significantly. Common colors include:
- Light gray or violet: These are often seen in individuals with albinism.
- Blue: This is the most frequent eye color observed in people with albinism.
- Brown: Although less common, some albinos may have brown eyes.
- Pink or Reddish: While less prevalent than blue or gray, the lack of melanin can sometimes result in a pinkish or reddish hue due to the visibility of blood vessels in the iris. This is often confused as the only option, but it’s not the norm.
The color can even change slightly over time, as noted in several sources.
Several sources, including Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/albinism/symptoms-causes/syc-20369184), the Albinism Fellowship of Australia (https://albinismaustralia.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/), and numerous other reputable websites, emphasize the variation in eye color among individuals with albinism. It's crucial to understand that albinism encompasses a spectrum of presentations, and eye color is only one aspect.
The variation is primarily due to the reduced or absent melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that determines eye color in typical individuals. In albinism, the absence or significant reduction of melanin affects not only eye color but also skin and hair pigmentation.
