diff --git a/code/modules/surgery/organs/eyes.dm b/code/modules/surgery/organs/eyes.dm
index b317266dab0..b5df8f90479 100644
--- a/code/modules/surgery/organs/eyes.dm
+++ b/code/modules/surgery/organs/eyes.dm
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
 	var/tint = 0
 	var/flash_protect = FLASH_PROTECTION_NONE
 	var/see_invisible = SEE_INVISIBLE_LIVING
-	var/lighting_alpha
+	var/lighting_alpha = LIGHTING_PLANE_ALPHA_VISIBLE
 
 /obj/item/organ/internal/eyes/proc/update_colour()
 	dna.write_eyes_attributes(src)