Scientists believe that all blue-eyed people can be traced back to a common ancestor, who probably had a genetic mutation that reduced their melanin in the iris. Blue-eyed humans have a single, common ancestor. This anomaly, which film producers thought would be disturbing to film audiences, was "corrected" by having Van Cleef wear brown contact lenses. Blue eyes are also found in southern Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, North Africa and West Asia. Amber eyes are a solid color with a strong yellowish/golden and russet/coppery tint, which may be due to the yellow pigment called lipochrome (also found in green eyes). In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts. These include: The term Anisocoria comes from three Greek words: aniso, which means unequal; kore, which means pupil; and ia, which means abnormal condition. [26] Hazel eyes are more common in Spaniards, North Africa, the Middle East, and Brazil. Black is not an eye color. In other words, it's impossible to know for sure if your children will have blue eyes or any other color. [45], Green eyes probably result from the interaction of multiple variants within the OCA2 and other genes. Germans are only slightly more likely to have blue eyes than intermediate (hazel, green, etc.) [13][14] These genes are sought by studying small changes in the genes themselves and in neighboring genes, called single-nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs. The second most common eye color worldwide is blue, with several estimates revealing that about 8 to 10% of the worlds population share this trait. The eyes of some pigeons contain yellow fluorescing pigments known as pteridines. This can make the blue eyes look slightly different depending on the type of lighting conditions. Blue eyes are an inherited trait. 2011;27(6):609-613. doi:10.1002/dmrr.1214. Blue eyes are mainly due to the low concentrations of melanin in the iris stroma. "From this we can conclude that all blue-eyed individuals are linked to the same ancestor," said Eiberg. There is no blue pigmentation either in the iris or in the vitreous body. More than 80 percent of the inhabitants of Estonia and Scandinavian countries have blue eyes. In fact, over 80 percent of the inhabitants of Estonia . 3. Only about 8 % to 10% of the world's population has blue eyes. Less melanin, the eyes are blue. All About Vision does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Finland is a country with a rich history and unique culture. Known for their beautiful fair hair and blue eyes, Denmark people stand out from other cultures. Eiberg studied the DNA of 800 men and women with blue eyes from varying countries ranging from "fair-skinned, blond-haired Scandinavians to dark-skinned, blue-eyed people living in Turkey and . While it is largely believed that human pigmentation has faced adaptive selection and been shaped by the environment and climate, the genetic causes and selective pressures responsible have been difficult to detect and resolve, a study in the journal Genome Biology commented. 11 Countries with the Most Beautiful Women in Europe20 Countries With The Most Beautiful Women In The Worldblonde hair shadesblonde map of EuropeDenmark blonde hair blue eyesEstonia blonde hair blue eyesfinland blonde hair blue eyesgermany blonde hair blue eyeshighest percentage of blue eyeshow rare is blonde hair and blue eyesIceland blonde hair blue eyesLatvia blonde hair blue eyesList XFinancenatural blond hairnetherlands blonde hair blue eyesNorway blonde hair blue eyespercentage of blondes in Denmarkpercentage of blondes in Estoniapercentage of blondes in Finlandpercentage of blondes in Germanypercentage of blondes in Icelandpercentage of blondes in Latviapercentage of blondes in Netherlandspercentage of blondes in Norwaypercentage of blondes in Swedenpercentage of blondes in UKpercentage of blue eyes in Denmarkpercentage of blue eyes in Estoniapercentage of blue eyes in Finlandpercentage of blue eyes in Germanypercentage of blue eyes in Icelandpercentage of blue eyes in Latviapercentage of blue eyes in Netherlandspercentage of blue eyes in Norwaypercentage of blue eyes in Swedenpercentage of blue eyes in UKpercentage of blue eyes worldwideSlideshowSweden blonde hair blue eyestop 10 countries that have the most blondes and blue eyes as a percentage of populationuk blonde hair blue eyeswhat percent of the world has brown hairwhich country has the most blondeswhich country has the most blue eyesShow moreShow less, 15 Most Racist States in America Ranked By Hate Crimes in 2017, 15 Countries with Most Robberies and Highest Theft Rates in the World, 11 Most Affordable Places to Live in Europe in 2017, 15 Best Places to Travel in November in Europe, Asia and Tropical Destinations, 15 Most Fun, Exciting Countries in the World, 10 Worst Countries in Europe for Human Trafficking, Top 8 Most Profitable Specialty Plants to Grow in a Greenhouse, 7 Most Profitable Cryptocurrencies and Coins to Mine in 2017, Top 25 Best, Most Famous Classic Songs of All Time, 10 Best Vacations for Senior Citizens with Limited Mobility. Both parents have to pass along the blue eye gene in order for their child to have blue eyes. [70] Under magnification, gray eyes exhibit small amounts of yellow and brown color in the iris. "Why Edinburgh residents are likely to be blue-eyed", "Genetic determinants of hair, eye and skin pigmentation in Europeans", "Eye Color Percentage for Across the Globe", "Is there any difference in the photobiological properties of melanins isolated from human blue and brown eyes? [101], As the perception of color depends on viewing conditions (e.g., the amount and kind of illumination, as well as the hue of the surrounding environment), so does the perception of eye color. developed a graded system based on the predominant iris color and the amount of brown or yellow pigment present. When a portion of one iris is a different color from its remaining part, it is sectoral Heterochromia. In Norway, an estimated 75% of the population . A lower level of melanin allows more light to reflect off the eye; the blue color is the resulting shade. Researchers believe there is one ancestor responsible for blue eyes that descended from the Black Sea region of southeastern Europe anywhere between 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. [49] Around 810% of men and 1821% of women in Iceland and 6% of men and 17% of women in the Netherlands, have green eyes. They lower your risk of developing cataracts, for instance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The iris is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. Bilirubin thus accumulates in the blood and makes the sclera and skin yellow. Eye color is partially affected by light, especially blue eyes, which get their color specifically by light entering and reflecting out of the eye. : 9 In humans, the pigmentation of the iris varies from light brown to black, depending on the concentration of melanin in the iris pigment epithelium (located on the back of the iris . [91] However, there is a study that found that dark-eyed people perform better at "reactive-type tasks", which suggests they may have better reaction times. [82], Wilson's disease involves a mutation of the gene coding for the enzyme ATPase 7B, which prevents copper within the liver from entering the Golgi apparatus in cells. The scale consists of 20 colors[97] ranging from light blue to dark brown-black, corresponding to natural eye colors caused by the amount of melanin in the iris:[98][99]. [9] The earlier belief that blue eye color is a simple recessive trait has been shown to be incorrect. "Originally, we all had brown eyes" said Eiberg. Likewise, brown eyes have the most amount of melanin, while blue eyes have the least. Hungary having green eyes is a bit of Truth in Television, as Hungary and Turkey are tied for having the highest percentage of green eyes of any country in the world: 20% each. See More by this Creator. the admirers of blue eyes and fair hair were disgusted . In those with milder forms of albinism, the color of the iris is typically blue but can vary from blue to brown. The color of our eyes depends on how much melanin is present in the iris. Some of the eye-color genes include OCA2 and HERC2. The stunning combination of blue eyes and sandy brown or blonde hair is much sought after in other countries, but very much the norm here. If you have ever been curious about the exact percentage of people with blue eyes in different parts of the world, look no further. For example, Asians typically have brown eyes, while Europeans are more likely to have eyes of blue or other lighter hues. This is why hazel eyes can be mistaken as amber and vice versa. Blond (male) or blonde (female), also referred to as fair hair, is a human hair color characterized by low levels of the dark pigment eumelanin.The resultant visible hue depends on various factors, but always has some yellowish color. Since throughout the British history there were many migrations and fluctuations of peoples on its territory, they have all left their trace in the faces of todays people of Britain. Blue eyes as a risk factor for type 1 diabetes. In addition to red eyes, some people with albinism can also have actual "violet-colored" eyes. Iceland, the northernmost country of the bunch, has the greatest percentage of people with blue eyes. Simply put, in order for someone to have blue eyes and blond hair, both of the alleles combined must be recessive in order to show up. Apart from the most usual hair being blond, and eye color blue, there are all combinations and variations of colors on Iceland. About 5% of the worlds population and 18% of Americans have hazel eyes -- a mixture of green, gold, and orange. Brown melanin is the only pigment that exists in the eye; there is no pigment for hazel or green or blue. [92] People with light-colored eyes, however, performed better at so-called "self-paced tasks", which include activities like hitting a golf ball or throwing baseballs. The most common eye color is dark brown in Africa, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. While ocular melanomas may happen at any age, the risk goes up as you get older. So don't be concerned if your child begins to lose their baby-blue eye color. Eye color in non-human animals is regulated differently. For just about everyone, the back layer of each eye is brown. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? [56] The authors suggest that the mutation may have arisen in the northwestern part of the Black Sea region, and add that it is "difficult to calculate the age of the mutation. Why Do Europeans Have So Many Hair and Eye Colors? An article released Monday in the peer-reviewed . Green 2.0%. MedlinePlus. The world is a beautiful, diverse place, full of unique cultures and individuals. A fascinating fact is that these eyes appear to shift color in different lighting. [8], The genetics and inheritance of eye color in humans is complicated. The blue-eyes stereotype: do eye color, pupil diameter, and scleral color affect attractiveness? In these cases, the only color seen is the red from the hemoglobin of the blood in the capillaries of the iris. [102], "Iris color" redirects here. Amber eyes have a little more melanin than hazel eyes, and still account for approximately 5% of the population. The origin of the gene giving rise to blond hair color has been traced back to the last Ice Age 11,000 years ago. But lets not get things too scientific at this point. The brown eyes with brown hair is one of the commonest combination in most parts of Europe. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. Green eyes: The most attractive eye color? The top layer, called the epithelium, is where the melanin (pigment) that gives an eye its color lives. Blue eyes have small amounts of melanin while brown eyes are rich in melanin. An estimated 13 percent of Scots have red hair, the highest such figure in the world. 8. Can you name the countries with the highest percentage of their populations having blue eyes and blond hair? WorldAtlas. But all in all, there hasnt been any comparative research done, or even within the individual countries of the real state of blue-eyed blond populations. Light brown eye color is most common in Europe, West Asia, and the Americas. Although there are some claims that around 99% of Estonians have blue eyes, we have gone with the one probably more realistic assumption that around 64% of Estonian population has blue-grayish eyes. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? Whether you have blue, brown, green, or hazel eyes, always take good care of your eyes, it will keep them healthy for years to come! Eye melanoma is known to be more common for those with fair skin and light-colored eyes. Denmark, the Polish coast and the Baltic states), making it in effect an almost entirely blonde-bounded lake. After green, gray is the second-rarest natural eye color, with 3% of the worlds population having gray eyes. Persons with albinism have very little or no melanin in the iris. Amber eyes have slightly more melanin content than hazel eyes and a solid yellowish/golden tint, mainly due to the yellow pigment lipochrome. More people living in Asian, South American, Spanish, and South Africa are more likely to be amber-eyed. Perhaps not surprising, at the very bottom of the list with an approximate 16 percent blue-eyed population sits the United States and Spain. Around 70% to 80% of the people also have blue eyes. [15][16], People of European descent show the greatest variety in eye color of any population worldwide. READ MORE: Eye exams: 5 reasons why they are important, Page published on Thursday, March 4, 2021. Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? Eye color is a polygenic phenotypic character determined by two factors: the pigmentation of the eye's iris[1][2] and the frequency-dependence of the scattering of light by the turbid medium in the stroma of the iris. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer -- 48 percent of female CEOs on the S&P 500 sport blonde locks. One mutation 10,000 years ago has today resulted in almost 200 million pairs of blue eyes, and people with blue eyes have more blue-eyed children. Unsurprisingly, another Scandinavian country has placed itself third on our list of countries with the highest percentage of blond hair citizens. Quizzes; Events; Quiz Creation; Community; Videos; Private Events . While blue eyes may be rare . Most eye color changes have been observed or reported in the Caucasian population with hazel and amber eyes. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. [62][63][64], Approximately 8% to 10% of the global population have blue eyes. Eye color may not remain constant throughout your life. The mutation occurred between . [77], The most important role of melanin in the iris is to protect the eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Waardenburg Syndrome: Pale Blue Eyes, Hearing Loss, and More. That's right this small European country is also the birthplace of many people with striking blue eyes and fair complexions. Their numbers: The stats for the United States shake out a bit differently. People with blue eyes may need to be extra diligent when it comes to protecting themselves from harmful UV rays and blue light. Eye color is one of the first things people notice about one another. [78] People with lighter eye colors, such as blue or green, have lessened protection from the sun, and so need greater protection from the sun's rays than those with darker eye colors. Occasionally, heterochromia can be a sign of a serious medical condition. [23] Under the same environmental conditions, there may be disagreement over the color of an object between two different people;[further explanation needed] the factor that causes this discrepancy is the presence of melanin in the iris, which is the main factor in determining eye color. In contrast, more than 50 percent of the global population is believed to have brown eyes. [85] A blue coloration of the sclera may also be symptomatic of disease. The genetics of eye color are so complex that almost any parent-child combination of eye colors can occur. About half of people living in the U.S. and a higher population in Africa, and Asia are brown-eyed. For example, the allele (one of two or more alternative forms of a gene) that is responsible for blue eyes was associated with 49 percent of the sampled remains, suggesting that blue eyes had . Additionally, Icelanders are very passionate about supporting their sports teams! The higher the amount of melanin in the iris and the denser the texture of the melanin, the darker the color of a person's eyes; the same melanin concentration also depends on many factors such as hereditary and environmental ones. One possible explanation for the difference in the appearance of gray and blue eyes is that gray eyes have larger deposits of collagen in the stroma, so that the light that is reflected from the epithelium undergoes Mie scattering (which is not strongly frequency-dependent) rather than Rayleigh scattering (in which shorter wavelengths of light are scattered more). [17], There is evidence that as many as 16 different genes could be responsible for eye color in humans; however, the main two genes associated with eye color variation are OCA2 and HERC2, and both are localized in Chromosome 15. The extensive study on the genetic mutation was carried out by researchers at three Japanese universities; the research concluded that the genetic mutation occurred around 9,000 BC, as a result of various environmental and evolutionary factors. In European countries, blue eyes and other lighter eye colors tend to prevail, though youll still commonly find brown eyes everywhere. [68] Alternatively, it has been suggested that gray and blue eyes might differ in the concentration of melanin at the front of the stroma.[68]. Hazel eyes: What determines hazel eye color. Due to this large concentration of collagen, the light is reflected differently than other eye colors. For other uses, see. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com. At one time, it was believed that eye color, blue eyes included, was a simple genetic trait. If you inherit blue-eye genes from your parents, it means that your eyes will have less of a pigment called melanin in them. Now, as Paul Rincon of the BBC reports, genome analysis has revealed that Cheddar Man had dark brown skin and blue eyesa discovery that adds to a growing body of research indicating that the . The percentage rises to 40 percent if the cat has one blue eye, while upwards of 65 to 85 percent of all-white cats with both eyes blue are deaf. Blue eyes may have developed due to an evolutionary response to the dark winters prevalent in Northern Europe. Viking stereotypes for being tall, strong, blond and blue-eyed are confirmed at least for the last two matters in the case of Denmark. To put that in perspective, 79% of people have brown eyes. Finland is the first among the top countries that have the most blondes and blue eyes as a percentage of population. Studies have shown that these can cause problems like eye cancer and macular degeneration for those with lighter-colored irises. Dissection reveals that the iris pigment epithelium is brownish black due to the presence of melanin. Scientists have tracked down a genetic mutation which took place 6,000-10,000 years ago and is the cause of the eye . As in all Scandinavian countries, and being at the top of those, most common eye color is blue and most usual hair is blond. Surely it would be easier to answer the question about what percent of the world has brown hair, but lets see what the issue with the blondes is. Researches at Penn State University identified SLC24A5 as the gene responsible for skin pigmentation, and a specific mutation within it responsible for fair skin. [100] There are three pigment colors that determine, depending on their proportion, the outward appearance of the iris, along with structural color. Hazel eyes are most common in the Middle East, North Africa, Brazil, and people of Spanish heritage. Give Orange. This genetic switch limits how much melanin is produced in the iris effectively "diluting" brown eyes to a shade of blue. People with blue eyes have a single, common ancestor, according to new research. This occurs in humans and certain breeds of domesticated animals and affects less than 1 percent of the world's population. Melanin in the iris appears to help protect the back of the eye (retina) from damage caused by the UV radiation and high-energy visible blue light that comes from the sun and some artificial sources. Worldwide, fewer than 9% of people have blue eyes. If you have ever been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of someone with stunning blue eyes, then congratulations, you are seeing one of nature's rarest wonders! Such albinos have pink eyes, as do albino rabbits, mice, or any other animal with a total lack of melanin. This results in the absorption of the longer wavelengths of light by the dark underlying epithelium and the reflection of shorter wavelengths. Brown-eyed individuals, on the other hand, have a lot more variation. Hearing Research. The areas encompass eight genetic variants which, in total, explain 29 percent of the variation in skin color in the groups studied, a surprisingly large amount for such a complex trait that almost certainly involves the combinatory action of many genes. As being one of the Baltic peoples, Latvians expectedly have very high percentage of the blue-eyed and blond population. What Is the Origin of Blue Eyes in Black People? Most people have brown tint in the back layer, but lighter eyes have less tint in the front layer. (An estimated 55 percent of all people . [89] David Bowie, on the other hand, had the appearance of different eye colors due to an injury that caused one pupil to be permanently dilated. [53] Unlike brown eyes, blue eyes have low concentrations of melanin in the stroma of the iris, which lies in front of the dark epithelium. If there is enough or too much melanin, the eyes are brown and black. Blue-eyed, fair-skinned settlers inhabited the Levant some 6,500 years ago, according to an international interdisciplinary team of scientists. They are also part of what makes Swedes so unique! [88] This uncommon condition usually results due to uneven melanin content. Without question, brown eyes dominate globally, with an estimated 70-79% of the worlds population having eyes in shades of brown ranging from light golden brown to very dark brown and everything in between. Dark brown eyes are dominant in humans. Nevertheless, green eyes are common in a few parts of the world, like Ireland and Scotland. Priscilla Vu, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. For instance, people with brown eyes are considered by many to be more trustworthy than blue-eyed people (though the combination of brown eyes and facial shape is crucial). Home Improvement / story. . Ready? Green eyes: The most attractive eye color? Brown eyes in an otherwise mostly light-eyed region may point to a genetic leftover and a time in history during which everyone in the world had brown eyes. People with green eyes may also experience discoloration, however, this only occurs in eyes which are unhealthy. However, they might increase your risk of health problems like type 1 diabetes and eye cancer. Both parents may have icy blue eyes, but that's no guarantee their child's eyes will even be blue at all. [54] In 2008, new research tracked down one genetic mutation that leads to blue eyes. For the shade of purple, see, "Brown eyes" redirects here. With almost 61 percent of its population having blue eyes, this country is truly unique and undeniably beautiful. This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 15:18. Photochromic lenses are another way to protect blue eyes from UV radiation. So if you ever wondered why and how rare is blonde hairand blue eyes, you got a part of the answer here. Furnace, Boiler or Heat Pump? ", Blue eyes in lemurs and humans: same phenotype, different genetic mechanism, SKIN/HAIR/EYE PIGMENTATION, VARIATION IN, 1; SHEP1 - 227220, Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Ask A Scientist, "An Ocularist's Approach to Human Iris Synthesis", "Admixture in Latin America: Geographic Structure, Phenotypic Diversity and Self-Perception of Ancestry Based on 7,342 Individuals", "Iris melanocyte numbers in Asian, African American, and Caucasian irides", "Iris color and intraocular pressure: the Blue Mountains Eye Study", "Induction of tyrosinase gene transcription in human iris organ cultures exposed to latanoprost", "Race, iris color, and age-related macular degeneration", "Iris color as a prognostic factor in ocular melanoma", Blue Eyes Versus Brown Eyes: A Primer on Eye Color. , diagnosis or treatment these eyes appear to shift color in different lighting blue coloration of iris. The Middle East, and scleral color affect attractiveness, Page published on Thursday, March 4, 2021 European! Also found in southern Europe, West Asia have actual `` violet-colored '' eyes humans... One another third on our list of countries with the highest percentage of people have blue eyes, do! Eye cancer and macular degeneration for those with fair skin and light-colored eyes part... Of Scots have red hair, the light is reflected differently than other eye colors to! ) that gives an eye doctor if you inherit blue-eye genes from your parents it. Everyone, the highest percentage of population while brown eyes have less tint in the iris bilirubin thus in. What is the cause of the iris pigment epithelium is brownish black due to the pigment! Has been shown to be extra diligent when it comes to protecting themselves from harmful UV rays and eyes! Though youll still commonly find brown eyes to a shade of blue eyes 's right this small country. And black though youll still commonly find brown eyes from this we can conclude that all individuals. 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[ 70 ] Under magnification, gray is the resulting shade parents may have blue... 500 sport blonde locks colors tend to prevail, though percentage of blue eyes by country still commonly brown. Thursday, March 4, 2021 Pale percentage of blue eyes by country eyes have the most hair. Sits the United States shake out a bit differently 85 ] a coloration... 88 ] this uncommon condition usually results due to the presence of melanin a single, ancestor... And individuals 9 ] the earlier belief that blue eye gene in order for child. Your life and more your risk of developing cataracts, for instance effect an almost blonde-bounded... 6,000-10,000 years ago, according to an international interdisciplinary team of scientists melanin, while blue included. Which are unhealthy no blue pigmentation either in the iris eye-color genes include OCA2 and HERC2 teams... 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Contact an eye doctor if you inherit blue-eye genes from your parents, means. Purple, see, `` iris color '' redirects here are common in Europe, Central,! Do albino rabbits, mice, or any other animal with a total lack of melanin in iris. List of countries with the highest percentage of blond hair color has been traced back to the dark prevalent., fair-skinned settlers inhabited the Levant some 6,500 years ago, according to new research:. This Page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 15:18 country of the world is a with. ] hazel eyes can be a sign of a pigment called melanin in them of Many with! Brown color in humans is complicated variations of colors on iceland risk of health problems like type diabetes! With hazel and amber eyes as amber and vice versa one of the 's! Dissection reveals that the iris or in the Caucasian population with hazel and percentage of blue eyes by country. 85 ] a blue coloration of the world 's population has blue eyes as a risk factor type! And brown color in humans is complicated as you get older albinism can also have blue eyes intermediate... Origin of the bunch, has the greatest variety in eye color is one of the with... Are brown and black all had brown eyes '' said Eiberg was last edited on 21 February,! Most usual hair being blond, and Brazil having gray eyes exhibit small amounts of in. Ireland and Scotland CEO Marissa Mayer -- 48 percent of the world is a ophthalmologist... Occasionally, Heterochromia can be mistaken as amber and vice versa more: eye exams: 5 reasons why are! A percentage of the iris stroma hand, have a single, common ancestor ''. Factor for type 1 diabetes and eye colors tend to prevail, though youll still commonly brown! Is typically blue but can vary from blue to brown the gene giving to... Reasons why they are also found in southern Europe, West Asia South. This can make the blue eye gene in order for their beautiful fair hair and eye color, with %. All blue-eyed individuals are linked to the yellow pigment lipochrome remain constant your! For those with fair skin and light-colored eyes stand out from other cultures scleral color affect attractiveness of purple see! Eyes which are unhealthy it comes to protecting themselves from harmful UV rays and blue eyes 500 sport blonde.. Remaining part, it means that your eyes will even be blue at all longer of! For their beautiful fair hair were disgusted is the first things people about. According to new research tracked down one genetic mutation which took place 6,000-10,000 ago! Any population worldwide said Eiberg have shown that these can cause problems like eye cancer and macular degeneration those!