Does castor oil lighten eye color? Is it true or just an internet myth? Let’s clear this confusion once and for all!
Most people wonder if they can lighten their eye color. And the answer is yes, it is possible to lighten eye color with the help of contact lens and iris implant surgery. They are expensive and comes with associated health risks. There is a myth on the internet covering does castor oil lighten eye color? Is this actually true? Read on to find out!
Today we will cover:
- What Determines Eye Color?
- Can Castor Oil Change or Light Eye Color?
- How To Lighten Eye Color?
- Final Thoughts
What Determines Eye Color?
The color of the eye is determined by two factors. They are:
- Amount of melanin (1) present in the iris: the colored portion of the eyes.
- The way light scatters from iris (2).
Both factors depend on the genes and vary from individual to individual. That’s why different individuals have different eye colors. They can be blue, black, brown, green, and hazel.
Does Castor Oil Lighten Eye Color?
No! Castor oil doesn’t lighten eye color. It’s a myth! According to Ophthalmologist Dr. Dadapeer K, it is not safe to put castor oil in eyes and this practice can damage the retina and iris. There are also no researches and scientific studies available supporting this claim. So before using any oil in your eyes, always consult with your doctor.
How To Lighten Eye Color?
There are two ways to lighten eye color. They are:
Tinted Contact Lenses
You can use tinted contact lenses to lighten your eye color. They are of three types depending on the intensity of the change required:
- Visibility Lenses (high eye color lightening)
- Enhancement Lenses (moderate eye color lightening)
- Opaque Lenses (low eye color lightening)
However, it’s a temporary solution and can cause the following side-effects (3):
- Watery eyes
- Itching sensation
- Dry and red eyes
- Corneal abrasion
- Ptosis
Cosmetic Iris Implant Surgery
Cosmetic Iris implant surgery helps in lightening the eye color permanently. However, it is not legal in the United States due to the associated health risks. So you have to get treated in another country where the operation is legal. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this surgery carries risks of permanent eye damage and can cause the following side-effects:
- Partial Vision or Blindness
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Swelling of Cornea
- Eye inflammation
Final Thoughts
Coming to the conclusion castor oil doesn’t lighten or change the eye color. It is defined by genetics and can not be altered naturally. Also, it is not advised to put castor oil in the eyes as it can lead to adverse health problems.