Irides is a noun that refers to the plural form of “iris,” which is the colored, circular part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. The irides are the specific parts of the eyes that are responsible for providing pigmentation and giving each person their unique eye color.
The term "irides" is used to describe a variety of different-colored irises when discussing many individuals or in a broader sense. Irides can come in a wide range of colors such as blue, brown, green, hazel, grey, and even unique variations of each color. Each individual's irides are genetically determined and can also be influenced by factors like genetics, ethnicity, and certain eye conditions or diseases.
The irides are not only significant as a beautiful and distinguishing characteristic of the eyes but also play a vital role in protecting the inner parts of the eye from harmful UV radiation and excessive light. They control the amount of light that enters the eye by constricting or dilating the pupil, which adjusts according to the lighting conditions.
Additionally, the irides can provide non-verbal communication cues, such as dilating or contracting under different emotional or physiological states. This can manifest as changes in eye color intensity or the appearance of a particular color due to the refraction and scattering of light within the iris.
In summary, irides are the plural form of the iris, referring to the colored parts of the eyes responsible for eye color variation, light regulation, and non-verbal communication cues.
