The primary pigment present in the human eye is melanin.
Understanding Melanin in the Human Eye
The color of a person's eyes is largely determined by the amount of melanin present in the iris. While other factors might slightly affect perceived color, melanin is the main player.
How Melanin Affects Eye Color:
- Quantity Matters: The more melanin present, the darker the eye color. This means:
- High Melanin: Leads to brown or very dark eyes.
- Low Melanin: Results in lighter eye colors like blue or green.
- Iris Contribution: According to the provided reference, the dark pigment melanin is the only pigment that contributes substantially to normal human iris colour. The specific shade of our eyes isn't due to different colors of pigment but rather varying quantities of melanin.
Table: Melanin and Eye Color
| Amount of Melanin | Resulting Eye Color |
|---|---|
| High | Dark brown or black |
| Moderate | Brown, hazel or green |
| Low | Blue or light grey |
Key Takeaway
The amount of melanin in the iris is the primary determinant of eye color. It's important to note that while other factors may play a minor role, the quantity of melanin is the critical variable. So, when we discuss the pigment in the human eye, we're fundamentally talking about melanin.
