What should you know about dark circle around iris?

Look in good light without rubbing the eye. Pigment on the eyelid or surrounding skin behaves differently from a ring within the coloured iris or a mark on the white of the eye. A stable, even feature may be harmless, but a new or one-sided change should not be labelled from a photograph alone. Itching, scaling or exposure to cosmetics can point toward surface irritation. Skin darkening can also appear as [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/).

Remove eye makeup gently, stop a newly introduced cosmetic, and avoid bleaching products or unprescribed creams near the eye. Do not scratch or place non-eye products on the eyelid margin. If a dermatologist confirms skin pigmentation, options may include carefully selected [Topical Retinoids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-retinoids/), [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/) or [Laser Toning](/treatments/laser-and-energy/laser-toning/); treatment choice depends on the exact tissue involved and skin sensitivity.

Book an eye examination for a new ring, a changing spot, colour difference between eyes, eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, discharge or blurred vision. Seek urgent care if vision changes suddenly, severe pain develops, or an injury or chemical exposure preceded the change. Keep dermatology treatment away from the eye until an appropriate clinician confirms the diagnosis.

Is the colour in the skin, iris or white of the eye? Do I need an optometrist or ophthalmologist assessment? Could cosmetics or medication be contributing, and which treatments are safe for this location?