Eye color is one of the most distinctive physical traits that make every person unique. But did you know that your true genetic eye color may differ from what you see in the mirror? The development of eye color is a complex process influenced by multiple genes. This means that your outward eye color results from a blend of different genetic variations that you’ve inherited. The Eye Color app is an eye color genetics calculator that can help uncover your genetic eye color based on your DNA.
It analyzes specific genetic markers that impact pigmentation and predicts what eye color you likely carry at the genetic level. This can provide a fascinating insight into your ancestry and genetic makeup.
This comprehensive guide will explore how the Eye Color app works, your results, and how to interpret them. We’ll also provide background on the genetics behind eye color inheritance and formation. Read on to learn all about discovering your eye color with this powerful tool!
Overview of the Eye Color App
The Eye Color app allows you to upload photos of your eyes and uses an advanced AI algorithm to analyze the pictured iris color. It then cross-references your eye color with specific genetic markers from a DNA sample to predict your actual genetic eye color.
The app is available from your computer or mobile device as a web version. All you need to get started is a good-quality photo of your eyes and a DNA file from a genetic testing company like 23andMe or AncestryDNA.
Here’s an overview of how the eye color genetics calculator works:
- Upload an eye photo so the app can establish your outward eye color.
- Upload DNA data file so the app can examine genetic markers related to eye color.
- The app compares your genetic markers to your outer eye color.
- It calculates probabilities for different genetic eye colors you may carry.
- The app reports your genetically predicted eye color vs. your outward eye color.
The Eye Color app draws on the latest scientific research on how various genetic variations influence the pigmentation and development of the iris.
Background on Genetic Determinants of Eye Color
Before we dive into how to use the Eye Color app, it helps to understand some background on the genetics behind eye color inheritance.
Human eye color is determined by the amount and type of melanin pigment in the iris. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes within the iris. The two forms of melanin that impact eye color are:
- Eumelanin: This pigment produces brown/black coloring. The more eumelanin present, the darker the eye color.
- Pheomelanin: This pigment produces yellow/amber coloring and is present in green and hazel eyes.
Several genes provide instructions for making melanin and determining how much pigment gets deposited in the iris. The key genes involved in eye color determination are:
OCA2
- The OCA2 (oculocutaneous albinism II) gene provides instructions for making the P protein. This protein is involved in melanin production and secretion.
- Variations in the OCA2 gene significantly influence eye color. The gene is located on chromosome 15.
- The main OCA2 alleles related to eye color are:
- The HERC2 rs12913832 G allele Results in reduced OCA2 expression and is associated with blue/green eyes and lighter coloring.
- The HERC2 rs12913832 A allele Allows greater OCA2 expression and is associated with brown/hazel eyes and darker coloring.
SLC24A4
- Encodes a protein that transports calcium ions in melanocytes.
- Involved in melanin synthesis and secretion.
- Certain variations are associated with lighter eye color.
- Gene located on chromosome 14.
SLC45A2
- Provides instructions for making a membrane transport protein called MATP.
- MATP helps regulate melanin synthesis and metabolism.
- Variations linked to reduced pigmentation and lighter eye color.
- Gene located on chromosome 5.
TYR
- Encodes the enzyme tyrosinase, which is critical for the production of melanin.
- Mutations can impair melanin synthesis, reducing pigmentation.
- A gene located on chromosome 11.
As you can see, multiple genes influence melanin pigment production and deposition in the iris, leading to diverse eye colors. To calculate your true eye colour inheritance, the eye color predictor calculator examines your genetic variations in these vital eye color genes.
Uploading Your Eye Photo
The first step in using the Eye Color app is uploading a quality photograph of your eyes. This allows the app to analyze the exact outward shade of your irises.
Here are some tips for taking a good eye photo to use with the app:
- Have a friend or family member take the photo for the best results. Taking a selfie often won’t capture the eyes accurately.
- Make sure you open your eyes nice and wide. Zoom in or take the photo close-up so your iris fills up a good portion of the image.
- Use the rear camera instead of the front camera for higher-quality photos.
- Ensure good, even lighting so the colors are valid without any odd shadows or glare. Natural lighting works best.
- Take photos straight on rather than at an angle for the most accurate color analysis.
- Remove any colored contact lenses before taking photos of your eyes.
- Take and upload 2-3 images to provide the app with options.
Uploading Your DNA Data
After submitting your eye images, the next step is uploading your DNA data file. The eye color calculator is compatible with data files from all major genetic testing companies, including:
- 23andMe
- AncestryDNA
- FamilyTreeDNA
- MyHeritage
- LivingDNA
- Vitagene
The app will automatically detect your file format when uploaded. Be sure to use the raw DNA data file provided by the testing company rather than simplified ancestry reports. The raw data contains the complete genetic markers needed for eye color prediction.
If you still need to do genetic testing, you’ll need to purchase a test kit from one of the above companies first. Prices range from $60-150 depending on the provider and type of test. Most testing labs allow you to download your raw DNA data file with third-party apps like the Eye Color app.
Uploading your DNA data will allow the app to examine your specific genetic variations in the critical eye color genes outlined earlier. Combining this with your photographed eye color enables an accurate prediction of your genetic eye color.
Interpreting Your Eye Color App Results
After processing your eye images and DNA data, the Eye Color app will produce a detailed report on your genetic eye color prediction. Here’s how to interpret your results from eye genetic calculator:
Genetic Eye Color Prediction
First, the app will output the specific eye color it predicts based on your DNA markers. This is your genetically likely eye color. The app may indicate your genetic eye color is:
- Brown/Dark Brown
- Hazel
- Amber
- Green
- Blue
- Gray
It will also provide a percentage for how confident it is in this prediction based on your unique DNA profile.
Probability Percentages
In addition to the most likely genetic eye color, the app also calculates probability percentages for other eye colors you may carry certain genetic variations.
For example, the results may estimate:
- 99.9% chance of Brown Eye Color
- 0.05% chance of Green Eye Color
- 0.02% chance of Blue Eye Color
Comparison to Outward Eye Color
Next, the eye color probability calculator app will compare your predicted genetic eye color to your photographed outward eye color. If these colors differ significantly, it provides insight into why your eyes appear a particular shade on the outside versus what your genotype portends.
For example, the app may predict your genetics point to brown eyes. But if your photographed eyes appear distinctly green/hazel, the results will note this discrepancy. The app will then explain how variations in specific genes lead to reduced melanin expression, overriding the genetic tendency toward brown eyes and resulting in lighter outward eye color.
Unexpected or Borderline Results
In some cases, the Eye Color app may produce unexpected or borderline results:
- The predicted genetic eye color seems far from your outward eye color.
- The percentages for different eye colors are split more evenly.
- Your eyes appear to be a very rare or distinct shade.
For ambiguous results, the app will recommend getting your DNA tested again with specific genetic markers double-checked and re-analyzed for more clarity.
Conclusions
Discovering your genetically predicted eye color with the Eye Color app by Face DNA Test offers a peek into your ancestral makeup and inherited traits. You can uncover hidden pigmentation patterns in your lineage by comparing your outward eye appearance to an inner analysis of your DNA.
While eye color is far from the most important trait, it represents a critical focal point of human appearance and diversity. Learning your eye color origins provides one piece of the puzzle regarding understanding your place in the broader context of human genetics and migration.
Uncover your actual genetic eye color with the Eye Color app! This guide explains using the eye color genetics calculator, uploading your DNA data and eye images, interpreting the results, and discovering your ancestry. Learn about the genes that determine pigmentation, compare your genetic eye color to your outward appearance, and explore the possibilities of your lineage’s traits passed down through generations.
