Some say the eyes are the window to the soul. And for that reason, different eye colors are often associated with personality types and characteristics. Like fingerprints, hair color, and teeth, no one has the same eye color as another. This unique color is the result of melanin, a protective protein also found in your hair and skin.
When no melanin is present, your iris—the colored tissues at the front of the eye that contains the pupil—gives off a bluish hue. In the first 6 months of life, babies often have bluish eyes because melanin takes some time to develop. Eye color is typically the result of genetics. However, genetic variations can alter eye color, which means two parents with green eyes can have a child with blue eyes.
Green Eye Color Meaning
If you have green eyes, then you belong to an exclusive club. Only 2% of the world’s population has green eyes, making it the rarest color of all. You should feel lucky to have green eyes because it’s often associated with desired traits.
People associate green eyes with these characteristics:
- Curiosity
- Passion
- Creativity
Protect your precious eye color as if they are rare jewels. Wear sunglasses or other protective gear when you’re outside.
Blue Eye Color Meaning
One of the most desired eye colors, blue eyes are one of the colors that stand out. Blue eyes have also been associated with resilience. One study’s findings suggested that women with lighter-colored eyes were better able to tolerate pain compared to their brown-eyed counterparts.
People associate blue eyes with these characteristics:
- Charm
- Friendliness
- Attractiveness
Do you have blue eyes? Then you need to be a little more careful in the sun. Blue eyes tend to have a slightly higher risk of retina damage from UV light. Keep a pair of sunglasses or a hat handy when you’re going to be outside.
Hazel Eye Color Meaning
Do people often comment on the color of your eyes, trying to determine if they’re brown or green? People with hazel colored eyes hear this all the time, despite only making up 5% of the world’s population. Instead of hazel, some people will refer to greenish-brown eyes as golden because they resemble the rare earth metal.
People associate hazel eye color with these characteristics:
- Kind-heartedness
- Curiosity
- Spontaneity
Hazel eyes may appear to shift colors depending on the lighting, making them all the more captivating. Just be sure that you don’t get too much direct light into your eyes, or at least wear sunglasses to protect them.
Brown Eye Color Meaning
Brown eyes are by far the most common eye color, making up about 55% of the world’s population. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing unique about them having them. In fact, there’s a very popular Van Morrison song specifically about this eye color.
People associate brown eyes with these characteristics:
- Independence
- Determination
- Self-confidence
Some studies have shown brown eyes to be less likely to develop macular degeneration. However, having brown eyes doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for other eye diseases or conditions, including macular degeneration. Don’t treat your eye color like an eye exam exemption—have them regularly checked by your doctor.
Heterochromia
Have you ever met someone with two different colored eyes? This is a condition called Heterochromia, and it’s extremely rare. It occurs when one of the iris’ is a different color than the other or when there’s a spot on the iris that’s a different color.
Heterochromia can be caused by the following:
- Iris Ectropion syndrome
- Eye injury
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Posner-Schlossman syndrome
- Iris tumor
- Swelling of eye
- Pigment dispersion syndrome
If you were born with two different colored eyes, don’t be alarmed that you have one of the above conditions. However, if you notice a change in your eye color, it could be a symptom of an underlying condition. Have it checked out by your eye doctor to be safe.
All Eyes Deserve the Best Care
Whether your eye color is rare or common, your eyes deserve the best care possible. For over 40 years, Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons have provided just that. Our award-winning doctors are ready to help you maintain your eye health and find solutions for whatever vision issues you may be facing. Schedule a routine exam and discuss any concerns with our highly trained team.
Sources Cited
Susman, E. (2014) Patients’ eye color a clue to pain tolerance, Medical News. https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/aps/45566
O’Brien, S. (no date) Eye colors and their superpower and what’s the difference between them, Lasik Website Eye colors and their superpower and whats the difference between them Comments. https://www.lasikplus.com/lasik-resources/lasik/eye-colors-and-their-superpower-and-whats-the-difference-between-them/
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