The primary pigment responsible for giving color to the eyes is melanin. Melanin is a dark brown pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which are present in various parts of the body, including the iris of the eye. The amount and distribution of melanin in the iris determine the color of the eyes. Higher concentrations of melanin result in darker eye colors such as brown and black, while lower concentrations produce lighter eye colors like blue, green, and hazel. Melanin also protects against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight, helping to shield the sensitive inner structures of the eye from potential damage.