Eye Color DNA Test

Why does your iris have a color? Find out how genetic variants are linked to the color of your eyes with this DNA test.

  • Includes the HER2C gene associated with “blue eyes”
  • Individuals with two copies of the variant are more likely to have blue eyes
  • 100% private and confidential online results

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Detailed Description

What we see as the color of a person’s eyes depends on two distinct factors: the pigmentation in the iris (colored part of the eye), and how light is scattered when it hits the stroma (upper layer of cells in the iris).

Brown is the most common eye color in the world with approximately 79% of the population having brown eyes. About 8-10% of the population have blue eyes, 5% amber or hazel eyes, and around 2% have green eyes. Most babies of European ancestry are born with lighter colored eyes. Permanent eye color is usually established between three and six months of age, because melanin production takes time.

Take this test to find out the genetics behind your eye color and the likelihood of your child inheriting a blue eyes variant from you.

The Genetics

Blue eye color was originally considered to be a simple recessive trait resulting from a defect in the melanin gene. However, we now know that many different genes are involved in determining the eye color in humans.

This DNA test examines a variant near the OCA2 gene strongly associated with blue eyes. This variant is actually located within the HERC2 gene, but the link to eye color is due to the variant’s affect on the levels of OCA2. The OCA2 gene gives instructions to make the P protein that is essential for normal pigmentation. Individuals who are unable to produce the P protein are much more likely to have blue eyes.

Dark versus Light Colored Eyes 

People with dark colored eyes produce the pigment melanin, which is deposited in the back of the eye and in the stroma at the front of the eye. The range in color we see from light brown to black is produced by differences in the amount of melanin deposited in these areas, as well as the difference in how many cells are found within the stroma.

People with light colored eyes (blue or green) do not produce melanin. Their eye color is the result of light scattering off the stroma. This is why the eye color of those with blue or green eyes can change depending on lighting.

How It Works

Step 1: Sign up for a free DNA Access account.
Step 2: Upload your DNA markers to DNA Access.
Step 3: Log in to your account to access your results when they are ready.