Eye color is one of the most distinct features of a person’s appearance. Throughout history, different eye colors have been associated with certain personality traits and abilities. While some of these associations are based merely on superstition, recent research has shown that eye color may actually correlate with some aspects of psychology and health. Keep reading to learn more about what your eyes can reveal about you.
The Origins of Eye Color
Human eye color originates with the pigmentation of a structure called the iris, which surrounds the pupil. The color of the iris depends on how much of the pigment melanin it contains. More melanin means a darker eye color, while less melanin results in lighter eyes.
Here are the main natural eye colors and how they form:
| Eye Color | Cause |
| Brown | High amounts of melanin |
| Amber | Moderate melanin, often with some yellow pigment |
| Green | Moderate amounts of melanin combined with high levels of yellow pigment |
| Gray | Low to moderate melanin with more collagen in iris tissue |
| Blue | Low melanin with no yellow pigment |
Melanin content is determined by genetics, with multiple genes playing a role. The main gene involved is OCA2, which controls melanin production. Different versions of this gene are associated with different eye colors. Environment can also influence eye color to some degree, especially after birth. Exposure to sunlight causes the body to produce more melanin, so babies born with blue eyes might slowly darken a bit as they age. But genetics are the main determinant.
Personality and Behavior
There are many stereotypes about what different eye colors say about personality. But what does the science actually tell us? Here’s a look at some personality traits associated with eye color and the evidence behind them:
Brown Eyes
Brown is the most common eye color worldwide, so there is great diversity of personalities among brown-eyed people. But some studies have suggested the following trends:
* Warm, friendly, and sociable – A study from the University of Pittsburgh found people rated brown-eyed faces as more trustworthy.
* Agreeable and nurturing – A Turkish study found brown-eyed people scored higher in agreeableness and nurturing personalities.
* Impulsive – A study from Germany associated darker eyes with impulsiveness and sensation-seeking.
So if you have brown eyes, you may tend toward being warm, nurturing, and sociable, but also more impulsive. More research is still needed, however, before making major conclusions.
Blue Eyes
Blue eyes are associated with these personality traits:
* Analytical, detail-oriented – A study from the Institute of Ophthalmology in the Czech Republic linked light eyes with cautiousness and attention to detail.
* Creative and curious – Other research has connected blue eyes with imagination and curiosity.
* Shy and emotionally guarded – People with blue eyes have also been perceived as more withdrawn and cool in personality compared to brown-eyed people.
So if you have blue eyes, you may be more analytical and creative but also more reserved.
Green Eyes
The unusual eye color green has been studied for associations with:
* Jealousy and passion – In a Slovakian study, green-eyed people displayed more jealousy and passionate behavior in relationships.
* Outgoing and agreeable – A study from Turkey, however, found green-eyed people to be more extroverted and agreeable.
* Intelligent and individualistic – Early 20th century research claimed people with green eyes had high IQs and rebellious spirits.
Green-eyed folks seem to display more variability in traits. You may be passionate, but also outgoing and free-thinking.
Hazel/Amber Eyes
Fewer studies have looked at hazel or amber eyes specifically. But here are some tentative links found:
* Confident and optimistic – One study found people rated amber eyes as more confident than other eye colors.
* Adventurous and energetic – Hazel eyes have been associated with boldness and energy.
* Kind and artistic – Other research connected hazel eyes with kindness, appreciation for beauty, and creativity.
If you have hazel/amber eyes, you may tend to be confident, adventurous, and artistic in outlook. More research on this rarer eye color is still needed though.
Intelligence
There is no evidence that eye color significantly impacts intelligence or IQ. However, some studies suggest potential small influences:
* Light eyes and education – Multiple studies have found a correlation between light eye color (blue or green eyes) and years of education. A study of over 10,000 Americans found lighter-eyed individuals had about a year additional education on average. This does not necessarily mean eye color influences intelligence. Social prejudices toward eye color could impact opportunities instead.
* Eye color and cognitive abilities – A Scottish study found lighter-eyed children performed slightly better at tasks involving memory and reasoning. The researchers proposed light eyes may promote the development of neurons and neural connections through greater sensitivity to light. But more research is needed to understand this tentative link.
Overall, any intelligence differences associated with eye color are small or explained by other factors. Eye color itself does not determine how smart or capable someone is.
Health and Medical Risks
A number of studies have looked at potential health differences for various eye colors. Here is what research has found so far:
Light Eyes
* Increased risk of macular degeneration – Multiple studies have linked blue eyes with a higher risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss. The reduced melanin and pigment in light eyes may make them more vulnerable to damage from UV light.
* Increased risk of seasonal affective disorder – Light eyes may also be at higher risk of seasonal depression. The light receptors in blue eyes have greater sensitivity, making some more susceptible to imbalances during seasons with less sunlight.
* Increased sun sensitivity – Lighter eyes are also linked with sun sensitivity. Blue-eyed individuals show more cellular damage in response to UV light and may be more prone to cancers like melanoma without sun protection.
Dark Brown Eyes
* Reduced risk of melanoma – The melanin in brown eyes may help protect against UV damage and skin cancers like melanoma. Multiple studies have linked darker eyes with lower melanoma risk.
* Increased risk of diabetic retinopathy – However, brown eyes may be more susceptible to diabetic eye diseases. More melanin increases inflammation, potentially worsening conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
* Need for less anesthesia – Some research also indicates those with darker eyes may need less anesthesia for procedures. Melanin binds to anesthetic drugs, so those with more melanin require lower doses.
So dark brown eyes may have some protection against UV damage, while light blue eyes are more sensitive. But all eye colors have unique strengths and weaknesses in health.
Conclusion
While eye color gives some hints about personality, health, and ancestry, it certainly does not define anyone. We are all far more complex than simple stereotypes about our eye color. Genetics, upbringing, and life experiences shape our brains and outlooks on life. So look beyond the surface when assessing your own traits or those of others. The eyes may be windows to the soul, but the soul runs far deeper than eye color alone.
