UAB expert Janelle Sventek. O.D., explains what determines a child’s eye color, why it can change early on and how parents can protect their child’s vision.When parents welcome a new child, eye color is often one of the first physical characteristics they notice. Parents may wonder whether this trait has any implications for their child’s health and development. 

Janelle Sventek, O.D., an expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, provides insight into the science behind eye color and how families can protect their child’s vision from an early age. 

Sventek, an assistant professor in the UAB School of Optometry, said, “eye color is determined by the amount of melanin in the iris.” Higher levels of melanin produce darker eye colors, such as brown, while lower melanin amounts result in lighter eye colors, like blue. 

“Many infants can be born with blue or light-colored eyes because melanin has not accumulated yet. As they get older, they can become darker,” Sventek said. Melanin production in the eyes increases after birth, with eye color often changing during the first year of life as pigment continues to accumulate in the iris. 

This does not mean that all babies are born with blue eyes. While a common belief, it is inaccurate, Sventek says. 

Genetics play a major role in determining a child’s eye color, Sventek says. Eye color is influenced by multiple genes, which allows for two parents who have brown eyes to have a child with blue eyes. 

While eye color does not affect how the eyes function day to day, it can influence sensitivity to light. Children with lighter-colored eyes often experience greater sensitivity to sunlight because they have less melanin in the iris to filter incoming light, which can lead to increased discomfort in bright sunlight.

Sventek recommends that all children, especially those with lighter-colored eyes, wear sunglasses that have 100 percent UV protection while outdoors. She also encourages wearing hats in bright sunlight to help reduce exposure and improve comfort during outdoor activities. 

Eye protection and sports

Increased light sensitivity does not mean children are at a disadvantage in sports performance. Past studies have shown that eye color has no influence on sports performance. Vision dysfunctions, like poor depth perception, can happen regardless of eye color, and that could affect a child’s ability to play sports. “Performance really depends on vision clarity, coordination, training and athletic ability,” Sventek said. 

Regardless of eye color, Sventek always recommends safety eye protection while playing sports with a high risk of eye injury. These sports include baseball or softball, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, and racquet sports like tennis or pickleball.  

“Regardless of eye color, regular eye care and protection matters from childhood to ensure healthier eyes later in life,” Sventek said. 

Eye color and health

Once a child reaches adulthood, their eye color does not play a significant role in their overall health. Some studies suggest people with lighter-colored irises may have a slightly higher risk of certain eye conditions like macular degeneration, though overall eye health is largely shaped by factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits and routine eye care. 

Sventek recommends that children have their first comprehensive eye exam with an eye care professional around 6 months old. Follow-up exams should take place between the ages of 3 and 5 years, and again before starting first grade. 

The most important steps parents can take to protect their child’s vision are regular eye exams, proper eye protection and early attention to changes in visual behavior, starting in childhood and continuing throughout life.