While most people have eyes that are shades of blue, green, brown or somewhere in between, it is possible, though rare, for someone to naturally have yellow eyes. The yellow color is caused by a high concentration of lipochromes – yellow pigments – in the iris (the colored part of the eye). This is a genetic condition called ocular albinism, which is different from the more common type of albinism that affects skin and hair color. There are a few key things to know about naturally occurring yellow eyes:
What Causes Natural Yellow Eyes
Yellow eyes are most commonly caused by a genetic condition called ocular albinism. This is different from oculocutaneous albinism which affects skin, hair, and eye color. The key factors are:
- Ocular albinism is passed down genetically and autosomal recessive, meaning both parents must carry the gene for a child to have the condition.
- It is caused by a mutation in genes that produce melanin in the eyes, leading to a lack of pigment in the iris.
- With little to no melanin in the iris, the underlying yellowish pigments called lipochromes become visible, causing the yellow eye color.
Other possible causes include:
- Yellow spots or flecks in the iris due to lipofuscin buildup, usually not full yellow irises.
- Jaundice caused by liver problems allows bilirubin to deposit in the eyes, turning them yellow.
- Eye trauma or damage can sometimes cause a yellow discoloration.
But full, natural yellow irises are overwhelmingly caused by ocular albinism. The yellow color is present from birth.
Prevalence and Inheritance of Yellow Eyes
True yellow eyes are very rare. Ocular albinism affects about 1 in every 50,000 people. The condition is also more common among certain populations:
| Population | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| African Americans | 1 in 10,000 |
| Native Americans | 1 in 65,000 |
| Caucasians | 1 in 36,000 |
Ocular albinism is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means:
- Both parents must be carriers of the mutated gene to pass it on.
- Carriers often have normal eye color themselves.
- If one parent is a carrier and the other has ocular albinism, all children will be carriers.
- With two carrier parents, there is a 25% chance of having a child with yellow eyes.
So while very rare, yellow eyes can run in families where both parents are carriers. Genetic testing and counseling is recommended for potential parents who may be carriers.
Characteristics of Yellow Eyes
People with true yellow eyes due to ocular albinism tend to share many of the same traits:
- Pale yellow, gold or amber irises – The color may deepen slightly with age but remains yellowish.
- Nystagmus – Rhythmic involuntarily movement of the eyes.
- Strabismus – Misalignment of the eyes, or crossed eyes.
- Photophobia – Sensitivity to bright light.
- Foveal hypoplasia – Underdeveloped fovea, which reduces visual acuity.
- Reduced pigment in retina – The retina may appear pinkish or red instead of dark colored.
- Normal hair, skin and eye color – Unlike oculocutaneous albinism, only the eyes lack melanin.
Vision with ocular albinism is often 20/200 or worse. Strabismus and nystagmus can also impair coordination. Treatment options include glasses, contacts, vision therapy, and eye muscle surgery if needed.
Differences Between Ocular and Oculocutaneous Albinism
It’s important to distinguish between ocular albinism – which just affects the eyes – and oculocutaneous albinism that impacts the whole body:
| Ocular Albinism | Oculocutaneous Albinism |
|---|---|
| Only the eyes lack melanin | Skin, hair, and eyes lack melanin |
| Yellow/amber irises | Very light blue/purple irises |
| Normal hair and skin color | Pale hair, light skin that burns easily |
| Not sensitive to sun | High sun sensitivity |
| Visual acuity usually 20/200 or better | Visual acuity often 20/400 or worse |
While both conditions are due to altered melanin production, ocular albinism is a milder form that solely impacts the eyes. Oculocutaneous albinism affects the whole body, with more severe symptoms.
Can You Get Yellow Eyes Later in Life?
While yellow eyes present from birth are indicative of ocular albinism, there are some conditions that can cause yellow discoloration of the eyes later in life:
- Jaundice – Liver dysfunction allows bilirubin to build up in the blood and eyes.
- Antibiotics – Some antibiotics like tetracyclines deposit in the eyes.
- Eye injury/trauma – Damaged iris tissue can release lipofuscin.
- Eye surgery – As a complication of procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery.
- Glaucoma medications – Epinephrine compounds can stain the eyes yellowish.
- Corneal ulcer – Can create yellow infiltrates in the cornea.
- Aging – Lipofuscin accumulation can cause yellow spots or rings.
However, these conditions cause patchy, inconsistent yellowing not full yellow irises. Any sudden yellowing of the eyes in adulthood warrants an immediate medical evaluation to determine the cause.
Are Yellow Eyes Bad for Your Health?
On their own, yellow eyes do not negatively impact health. With ocular albinism, the main health concern is impaired vision. However, some causes of adult-onset yellow eyes are indicative of underlying problems:
- Liver disease – Jaundice is a sign of hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
- Infections – Yellow eye discharge can signal conjunctivitis, an STD, or other infection.
- Diabetes – Yellow, crusty discharge could indicate diabetic eye disease.
- Glaucoma – Can be exacerbated by yellowing from certain medications.
- Eye injury – Damage, surgery complications, or ulcers may require treatment.
Any yellowing of the eyes beyond childhood should be professionally evaluated. While yellow eyes themselves don’t compromise health, they may be the first visible sign of an underlying issue that needs medical care.
Conclusion
In summary, naturally occurring yellow eyes do rarely occur in the population due to a genetic condition called ocular albinism. This causes the irises to appear yellow, gold or amber from birth due to reduced melanin pigment. Yellow eyes may also develop later in life due to certain medications, health conditions, or trauma. While the condition itself is harmless, sudden yellowing of the eyes in adulthood can indicate a more serious health issue that requires examination and treatment. People with lifelong yellow eyes can live normal, healthy lives with some visual accommodations for reduced acuity typically associated with the condition. So while very uncommon, yellow is considered one possible natural eye color.