MadSci Network: Anatomy
Query:

Re: Why do irises change color?

Date: Thu Nov 11 18:06:43 2004
Posted By: Erik von Stedingk, Biotech Sales Manager
Area of science: Anatomy
ID: 1098043122.An
Message:

Hello Fi,
(I first wrote Hi Fi :-)

I think I can answer that, not because it is within my field of knowledge 
(biochemistry), but because the same thing has been noticed with my eyes. 
They are usually a grey-blue but sometimes take on a noticeable green 
tone.

If you look closely at the iris you will notice that it is very, very 
wrinkled and has many shades of colour. Depending on the intensity of the 
ambiant light, but also on mood, it will either contract, making the 
pupil smaller, or relax, making the pupil larger. In my case, it is with 
dillated (larger) pupils that my eyes turn green. I’ve now observed this 
in detail in a mirror: when the iris changes in degree of contraction, 
the wrinkles either open up or close, displaying slightly different 
colours. In some people it’s probably more noticeable than in others.

Can this be what is happening with your boyfriends eyes?

Kind regards,

Erik

admin note: I think "sectors" might be a more accurate term than "wrinkles", but this is a 
good explanation.  Erin



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