Seven Fun Facts About Eye Color

There are many things that make you unique, including your individual appearance. Believe it or not, your eyes also make you stand out, even if you share the same eye color with others. This genetic trait carries some interesting aspects along the way, including:

Your eyes are actually brown

Every human has brown eyes, even though we may see different colors. The distinction is the amount of melanin in the iris (colored part of the eye) versus the ability of light to be reflected or absorbed. What we see is the wavelength of light reflected, which the brain processes.

Your eyes can be multi-colored

Your eye color can definitely be unique. Those with complete heterochromia have two different colored irises, while those with partial heterochromia may have a part of their iris different than the rest in the same eye.

Green is the rarest eye color

Brown eyes are considered the most prevalent compared to green eyes. Hazel and blue are more common and in between.

Red eyes are not common in people who are albino

Despite the misconception that every person who is albino has red eyes, that is not the case. The most eye color in those with albinism is blue.

Some eye colors can change

Your eye color is more or less set in stone as you age. However, the lighting in an area can make some eyes appear more vibrant or dulled. In some extreme instances, your eyes can change when you face high emotions.

Eye color is not a “one gene” trait

That popular Punnett square activity you did in science class may not give you all the details for eye color. There are multiple genes at play that determine eye color – at least eight!

There’s actually a connection between eye color and vision

While having one eye color over another doesn’t mean that you can “see” better, it can make a difference in your overall comfort. Those with lighter eye colors may be more prone to light sensitivity due to the lack of melanin.

No matter your eye color, one thing is the same: the need for excellent eye care. At CEENTA, your eyes are given the attention they deserve, from routine exams to cataract care to LASIK surgery and beyond. Schedule your next eye appointment with a CEENTA ophthalmologist today to keep your eyes shining bright. 

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. New patients can make appointments online with our eye doctors in North and South Carolina. Current patients can also make appointments through myCEENTAchart with physicians they have already seen.