Rare and mysterious, green eyes are sure to catch the attention of everyone – and for all the good reasons. With only 2% of the world population flaunting this rare eye color, there are bound to be some arcane and amazing facts about the unusual occurrence. I know just one person with these beautiful greenish-bluish eyes, and they are the first thing you notice about her. So what makes this type of eye so interesting and attention-grabbing? Let’s figure!
What is common among the celebrities Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Lindsay Lohan, and Rihanna? They all have beautiful green eyes. Do you want to know more interesting facts about green eyes? Then read on –
What are the Genetics and Medical Implications of Having Green Eyes
The genetics of eyes in humans is very complex. Some of the known facts about the green color of the eyes are:
- The geneEYCL1 located in chromosome 19 is responsible for this color of the eyes
- The molecule eumelanin produced by the melanocyte cells in the iris section is responsible for the variations in eye color between parent and the child
- Moreover, an individual gets green eyes if the presence of the coloring molecule melanin in the iris is between low to moderate levels
- Gender-wise, there are more women (89 percent) with this color of their eyes than men (87 percent) as per research studies
- 16 percent of people with German and Celtic ancestry among European Americans have green eyes
- Unfortunately, those with green color of eyes are at increased risk of developing cancer in the iris of their eyes, technically known as Uveal melanoma
- The condition age-related macular degeneration is very common along lighter iris color people
- The risk of rapid progression of this disease is also high in this group of people with blue, grey, or green color iris
How Is Eye Color Determined?
The part surrounding the pupil of your eyes is called the iris. The iris determines the dilation and constriction of the pupil, regulating the amount of eye that enters the eye. How the light is scattered inside determines the color, involving the two pigments, melanin, and lipochrome. The lesser the melanin pigment, the lighter the shade of the eyes. And when lipochrome comes into play, it mixes with the melanin, giving its golden pigment, resulting in the green color of the eyes. So the more melanin content in the iris, the darker the eye color.
Before 2008, researchers believed that the more dominant genes determine a baby’s eye color. It was also believed that the eye color hierarchy has brown at the top and blue at the bottom, making brown eyes the most dominant eye color. Then a new theory was presented in a 2008 American Journal of Human Genetics publication, suggesting that as many as 16 genes determine the color of the iris. A newborn can inherit any eye color, no matter the eye color of the parents – though ancestry and heritage are other two factors that play an essential role.
Who People Get Green Eyes?
As rare as they are, green-colored eyes are pretty common in Iceland – where 80% of people have it. Green eyes are also found amongst various native groups across Europe, Asia, and Africa but are most common in Europe. People having it are believed to be of German or Celtic origin. Several civilizations around the Caucasus mountains linking Europe and Asia have people with green eyes. This was primarily due to the result mixing up of ethnicities. This mountain range was a strategic military and trade link- known as the ‘silk road.’
Why Are Green Eyes So Rare?
The fact that only 2% of the population have this type of eyes makes it not just a rare but also a perplexing phenomenon. Given the unique composition of melanin and the yellow pigment in the eyes, only a very few people have green eyes. For a person to get green eyes, The yellow-colored stroma should be present in the eyes. When a little melanin, which makes the eye color blue, mixes with yellow, it results in green. This is rare and significantly rarer in the Asian and African races. They are pretty rare in males worldwide.
Green Eyes And The Phenomenon of Rayleigh Scattering
No one is born with a blue or green colored pigment in the eyes. Blue or green eyes are actually due to the phenomenon of Rayleigh Scattering and the way light is dissipated when it travels through transparent liquids and gasses. It is the exact science that lends the sky. It’s blue or any other color, for that matter. When light hits the eyes, the iris absorbs the ultraviolet rays and disperses the air molecules. In theory, when dissipated and under the Rayleigh effect, the blue and yellow result in green-colored eyes. However, it takes quite some time for the eyes to appear a definite green. Babies are not born with green eyes as such.
What Does Green Eye Color Mean?
Green eyes imply instant attention from everyone, and people perceive you as mysterious. It is believed that people with green eyes can lose their temple at the drop of a hat but gain control soon after. They are also curious, mischievous, secretive, and intelligent. Green-eyed people are also associated with jealousy. In the olden times, a woman with green eyes and hair color as bright fire color was believed to be a witch. This could be the reason for putting her to death. People with green eyes are also passionate, creative, inspirational, charming, and somewhat evil. It is believed that green-eyed people have the most unpredictable and contradictory personalities. Further, it is often a contrast between wisdom and rebelling behavior.
What Are The Common Diseases Associated With Green Eyes?
Medical science claims that people with lighter eye colors like blue, grey, or green have a higher risk of eye cancer. However, research states that people with darker eye colors have higher melanin content in the iris, which protects them from damage caused by exposure to the sun and UV rays. Some research also claims that people with green eyes can experience discoloration only if the eyes are unhealthy.
What are the Makeup Tips for Green eyes
One of the most interesting facts about green eyes is variations even in this color. Individuals can have hazel green, olive green or light color of their iris. For women, such natural variations produce ample opportunities to experiment with their looks using cosmetics. But, there are specific thumb rules to follow while choosing the right makeup products for green eyes. They are:
- Eye shadows with varying shades of brown color can go well with green eyes. Silver, pink and blue colors should be avoided completely
- Some of the best highlighters are taupes, metallics, dark purples, golds, plums, coppers, and apricots
- It is advisable to avoid black eyeliners mostly. Instead, chocolate brown, steely greys, whites and gold color liners for these eyes go well
- In short warm colors should be included and cool colors should be kept away while green eyes are made to look even more attractive
Mention of Green Eyes in English Literature
The proverb in English associating human vice and jealousy with the color green is very old. But, the mentioning of this color in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice work through the phrases “Green-eyed jealousy” and “green-eyed monster” has immortalized the place of this eye color in literature.
Surveys and Polls – North America’s most stylish speed dating service, Fastlife, was surveyed in April 2007. The effort was intended to know the biggest turn-ons and turn-offs in single people. More than 1000 men and women were part of this study. Both genders agreed upon eyes as an essential feature of the face. Although people often look for it as a potential partner, men prefer women with green eyes.
Conclusion: These are some fascinating facts about green eyes covering areas like medicine, fashion, literature, and surveys. Of course, you are most welcome to add more points on green eyes.
Facts About Green Eyes FAQ
Why are green eyes so rare?
There is no one answer to this question, as eye color is a complex trait influenced by many factors. However, some of the reasons why green eyes are rare include:
- Eye color can be influenced by genes.
- Eye color can change over time due to environmental and lifestyle factors.
- Eye color can be affected by certain diseases or conditions.
How rare are naturally green eyes?
It is believed that naturally green eyes are pretty rare, and only 2% of people have them. A genetic mutation causes it. This mutation causes a low level of melanin, but the melanin is still more than blue eyes.
What nationality has the most green eyes?
The most common nationalities with green eyes are Irish, British, Italian, Scandinavian, and German.
Why are green eyes so pretty?
Green eyes are one of the most popular eye colors and are often considered beautiful. There are many reasons why green eyes are so popular, but some of the main reasons include:
- More attractive than other eye colors.
- More natural.
- They can make one look younger.
- They help a person stand out from the crowd.
