Is it truly possible to have purple eyes? The intriguing variations in human eye color often spark fascination, leading many to wonder about the existence of such rare hues. While many vibrant eye colors exist naturally, the concept of truly purple eyes remains a subject of curiosity. This exploration delves into the biological mechanisms behind eye color and addresses the common perceptions surrounding this striking shade.
The True Nature of Eye Color
Human eye color is primarily determined by the amount and type of melanin in the iris, the colored part of the eye. Two main types of melanin contribute to eye color: eumelanin, which produces shades of brown and black, and pheomelanin, which contributes to amber, green, and hazel tones. The concentration of these pigments in the iris’s front layers dictates the perceived color. For instance, eyes with high concentrations of melanin appear brown, the most common eye color globally.
Lighter eye colors like blue and green are not due to pigments in the iris. Instead, these colors result from Rayleigh scattering. This process involves light scattering off collagen fibers within the iris’s stroma, similar to how the sky appears blue. In eyes with very little melanin, shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) are scattered more, creating a blue appearance. Green eyes contain a low concentration of melanin and a yellowish pigment, lipochrome, which interacts with the scattered blue light to produce a green hue.
Albinism and Violet Hues
While true purple pigment does not exist in human eyes, certain conditions can cause eyes to appear violet or reddish. This is most notably observed in individuals with severe forms of albinism, a genetic condition characterized by a reduced or complete absence of melanin production in the skin, hair, and eyes. In these cases, the iris lacks sufficient melanin to absorb light.
The absence of pigment allows blood vessels at the back of the eye to become visible through the translucent iris. When light enters, this red reflection from the blood vessels can combine with the natural scattering of blue light within the iris’s stroma. This combination of red and blue light can create a perceived violet or pinkish hue, particularly under certain lighting conditions. These are not true purple eyes, but rather an optical effect.
Unraveling the Elizabeth Taylor Myth
The widespread belief that actress Elizabeth Taylor possessed violet eyes has contributed significantly to the fascination with this rare eye color. While her eyes were undeniably a striking and deep shade, they were not truly purple. Her eyes were described as a very deep blue or indigo, which could appear violet under specific lighting conditions or when contrasted with certain makeup and clothing.
The unique intensity of her eye color was also enhanced by a rare genetic condition called distichiasis, which gave her a double row of eyelashes. This additional fringe of dark lashes framed her eyes, making them appear even more prominent and contributing to the perception of a unique, almost violet, shade. Her eye color was a remarkable shade of blue, perceived as violet.