The phenomenon of eyes appearing to change color when crying is not due to a true physical change in eye color. Rather, it is an optical illusion caused by the way light interacts with the tears and the structures of the eye.
The color of the eyes is determined by the amount and distribution of the pigment melanin in the iris, the colored part of the eye. People with brown eyes have a higher concentration of melanin, while those with green or blue eyes have less.
When you cry, your tears can temporarily change the appearance of your eyes in a few ways:
Light scattering: Tears can act as a prism, refracting and scattering light as it passes through them. This can make the eyes appear lighter or change the way light reflects off the iris, making the color seem different.
Reduction of melanin exposure: Tears can cause slight swelling of the skin and tissues around the eyes, which may make the irises look lighter. Additionally, when you cry, you often blink and close your eyes more frequently, which reduces the exposure of the iris to light, making it appear darker or lighter depending on the individual's eye color and lighting conditions.
Emotional and physiological factors: When you cry, your body may release certain hormones or experience changes in blood flow, which could affect the appearance of your eyes. Emotional states can also influence the perception of color.
It's important to note that this color change is temporary and not a permanent alteration in eye color. Once the tears dry up and the eyes return to their normal state, your eye color should appear as it did before.
The specific appearance of your eyes when you cry might be unique to you, as it depends on various factors like the color and structure of your iris, the amount of tears, and the lighting conditions.