[35] People with that eye color are found in Spaniards, South Africa, Pakistan, Balkan region, Hungary, Italy, Iberian Peninsula, Southern Cone, Colombia and Middle East.[36]. Ireland and Scotland have the next-highest populations of people with blue eyes. [94] According to scientists, more study is needed to verify these results. [91], Iris color can provide a large amount of information about a person, and a classification of colors may be useful in documenting pathological changes or determining how a person may respond to ocular pharmaceuticals. The answer largely depends on where you live or where your ancestors came from. 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. Almost everyone (even people with blue or green eyes) has brown pigment in the back layer of the iris. Also, hazel eyes may appear to shift in color and consist of flecks and ripples, while amber eyes are of a solid gold hue. Black is not an eye color. Photochromic lenses are another way to protect blue eyes from UV radiation. The incidence of blue eyes continues to decline among American children. Iceland, the northernmost country of the bunch, has the greatest percentage of people with blue eyes. As far as researchers can tell, this was the first person with blue eyes, and everyone who has blue eyes today is a (very) distant relative of this ancient human. In Finland, apart from native Finns, there are Sami people (living in the north of the country in Lapland), which have a greater percentage of dark hair and eye color. Unlike hazel eyes, which appear to shift colors, amber eyes have a solid gold hue. A common cause in females with heterochromia is X-inactivation, which can result in a number of heterochromatic traits, such as calico cats. Studies on Caucasian twins, both fraternal and identical, have shown that eye color over time can be subject to change, and major demelanization of the iris may also be genetically determined. Estonia is the country most known for its fair-skinned, blue-eyed population, followed closely by Finland. Eye color is a polygenic phenotypic character determined by two factors: the pigmentation of the eye's iris and the frequency-dependence of the scattering of light by the turbid medium in the stroma of the iris. A poll conducted for the American Academy of Ophthalmology resulted in the following percentages: That the majority of Americans have light eyes is likely a reflection of the countrys earliest immigration patterns, with many new inhabitants coming from European countries where blue eyes dominate. [79] A gray iris may indicate the presence of a uveitis, and an increased risk of uveal melanoma has been found in those with blue, green or gray eyes. [9] The earlier belief that blue eye color is a simple recessive trait has been shown to be incorrect. In contrast, more than 50 percent of the global population is believed to have brown eyes. They lower your risk of developing cataracts, for instance. So don't be concerned if your child begins to lose their baby-blue eye color. About 5% of the worlds population have hazel eyes. Summary. But lets not get things too scientific at this point. [14] As of 2006[update], one out of every six Americans, or 16.6% of the total US population, has blue eyes,[65] including 22.3% of whites. However, a blue-eyed child is almost certain if both parents have blue eyes. About half of people living in the U.S. and a higher population in Africa, and Asia are brown-eyed. The more melanin concentration one has, the darker ones eyes will be. Associated with differences between blue and green eyes. Eye color depends on how much of a pigment called melanin lives in the iris of the eye. Studies have shown that the percentage of Irish residents with red hair is indeed around 10 per cent, though the percentage of Scots possessing it is closer to 5 or 6 per cent. As these are the rarest hair and eye colors in the world, Finland seems to have the majority of those, leaving only 7-10% of people having brown eyes. On average, they have 90,000 strands, while blondes . Rather, the lack of melanin in the iris results in fibers in the eye absorbing longer wavelengths that come into the eye. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? If you have blue eyes, it means the iris part of your eyes lacks melanin, so, technically, blue eyes don't have any color. Researchers at the American Academy of Opthalmology have stated that everyone on planet earth had brown eyes around 10,000 years ago. Heterochromia (heterochromia iridum or heterochromia iridis) is an eye condition in which one iris is a different color from the other (complete heterochromia), or where a part of one iris is a different color from the remainder (partial heterochromia or sectoral heterochromia). At the end, what we got was a blonde map of Europe. [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. On top of that, blue eyes are not truly blue. Brown melanin is the only pigment that exists in the eye; there is . By contrast, less than 1 in every 100 people in southern Europe . The iris has two layers. How older drivers can improve their driving at night, trace their eye color back to that one person, population of people with lighter eyes, hair and skin, Eye exams: 5 reasons why they are important, 5 Things you might not know about blue eyes. Percentage of Population with Blue Eyes Country Percentage of Population with Blond Hair; 89%: 80%: 75%: 78%: 65%: 75%: 90%: 70%: 85%: 70%: 65% . In humans, this pigmentation of the iris depends on the melanin concentration in the iris pigment epithelium, it's content within the iris stroma, as well as the cellular density of the stroma. 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). For the shade of purple, see, "Brown eyes" redirects here. Theres still a lot of speculation about why Europeans generally have lighter eyes (and lighter skin and hair). Blue eyes are caused by a gene mutation. If you have a darker iris color, you are at a greater risk of developing this eye disease. [55] Eiberg and colleagues suggested in a study published in Human Genetics that a mutation in the 86th intron of the HERC2 gene, which is hypothesized to interact with the OCA2 gene promoter, reduced expression of OCA2 with subsequent reduction in melanin production. Blue eyes as a risk factor for type 1 diabetes, Eye color as a risk factor for acquired sensorineural hearing loss: A review, A global view of the OCA2-HERC2 region and pigmentation. Waardenburg Syndrome: Pale Blue Eyes, Hearing Loss, and More. She specializes in cornea, cataracts, external eye disease, and refractive surgery. [3]:9. Although rare, green eyes are found to be rather catchy especially . Blue-eyed, fair-skinned settlers inhabited the Levant some 6,500 years ago, according to an international interdisciplinary team of scientists. Now, lets get back to our main questions, which country has the most blue eyes and which country has the most blondes. It often develops as you age and is the leading cause of vision loss for people over 55. An iris that appears blue under this method of observation is more likely to remain blue as the infant ages. Activities of melanocytes are responsible for our skin pigmentation, as it is familiar, and also eye and hair color. All eyes in the country were once brown, but a study revealed they are now 48 per cent blue, 30 per cent green and 22 per cent brown. More than 80 percent of the inhabitants of Estonia and Scandinavian countries have blue eyes. The higher the melanin concentration in the iris, the darker the eye color will be. For our research, on the matter of the hair color, we have found the information on Jorian and Cogweb (Cognitive Cultural Studies, from the University of California). Hazel (sometimes grouped with amber) Green. Blue is the second most common eye color globally, with estimates suggesting that 8-10% of people have blue eyes. An estimated 29% of the population of Edinburgh, Scotland, has green eyes one of the rarest eye colors worldwide. 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), the melanin content within the iris stroma (located at the front of the iris), and the cellular density of the stroma. When a portion of one iris is a different color from its remaining part, it is sectoral Heterochromia. While eye color is not a defining characteristic of a person, it can be interesting to see how the distribution of different colors varies from place to place. Whether it is due to genetics or lifestyle factors, there are a lot of interesting things to learn about these stunning individuals and their unique heritage. [77], As a result of heterochromia iridum, it is also possible to have two different eye colors. Take a look in the mirror. Effortless urban style, with expert craftsmanship - clothing, shoes & apparel for men & women from rag & bone. [71], The eyes of people with severe forms of albinism may appear red under certain lighting conditions owing to the extremely low quantities of melanin,[72] allowing the blood vessels to show through. This can make the blue eyes look slightly different depending on the type of lighting conditions. A baby's eyes may be blue during this time, but later change color. Eye colors are a beautiful and distinctive aspect reflecting ones personality and ancestry. 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. Less melanin, the eyes are blue. [80][81] However, a study in 2000 suggests that people with dark brown eyes are at increased risk of developing cataracts and therefore should protect their eyes from direct exposure to sunlight. Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? It may take up to six months for the gene responsible for creating the pigment in the eyes to activate melanin production. Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! Home Improvement / story. Green 2.0%. Just 22 per cent now have brown eyes, while 30 . Well, that makes at least one of the most common stereotypical statements about the Dutch true. The number of cylindrical cells is more than the number of color receptors and reaches about 120 million; cone cells, which are smaller in number than light receptors, have color vision and are divided into three distinct categories, each of which recognizes one of the colors blue, red, and green, allowing the individual to distinguish colors. In those with milder forms of albinism, the color of the iris is typically blue but can vary from blue to brown. While it's a very rare type of cancer, people with blue eyes are at higher risk of developing ocular uveal melanoma. Contact an eye doctor if you need medical attention. An estimated 89 percent of Estonians have blue eyes. Brown melanin is the only pigment that exists in the eye; there is no pigment for hazel or green or blue. Woman From Denmark With Blue Eyes. While blue eyes may be rare, they're among the most common eye colors at birth. Amber eyes may also contain amounts of very light gold-ish gray. Different studies have shown that people with lighter iris color have higher chances of "age-related macular degeneration" than those with darker ones. Indeed, one study found evidence of blue-eyed hunters and gatherers roaming Spain 7,000 years ago. [66] 56% of Slovenes have blue/green eyes. A study in Rotterdam (2009) found that it was possible to predict eye color with more than 90% accuracy for brown and blue using just six SNPs. 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 . [83], Eye color outside of the iris may also be symptomatic of disease. In addition, OCA2 and HERC2 are the two major genes associated with the variation in eye colors. Blue eyes are more concentrated in certain regions than others. Your genes determine whether you have blue eyes. Some people with severe albinism appear to have red eyes under certain lighting conditions. However, they might increase your risk of health problems like type 1 diabetes and eye cancer. Protecting your eyes and getting regular check ups is important no matter the color of your irises. Worldwide, fewer than 9% of people have blue eyes. [92] In another study, people with darker eyes performed better at hitting racquetballs. Why Do Europeans Have So Many Hair and Eye Colors? Eye damage from UV and blue light appears to be related to your lifetime exposure to these rays, so wearing sunglasses that block 100% UV (and most blue light) should start during childhood, when possible. Blue eyes are an inherited trait. The color of our eyes depends on how much melanin is present in the iris. Scientists have tracked down a genetic mutation which took place 6,000-10,000 years ago and is the cause of the eye . Blue-eyed humans have a single, common ancestor. So, take these figures with a pinch of salt. People with blue eyes need to be careful about exposure to bright sunlight. Some of the eye-color genes include OCA2 and HERC2. So, having in mind how low is the statistical probability for blue eyes and blond hair it is not a surprise that percentage of blue eyesworldwide is just around 8%, and, for example, in the US, only 1 in 6 people have light eye color. This article discusses where blue eyes come from and how having blue eyes may increase your risk for certain health conditions. Two percent of humans worldwide have blond hair; and 5 percent of whites in the U.S., according to the researchers. They look blue because of how light is reflected. Because melanocyte cells continually produce pigment, in theory eye color can be changed. [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. Studies have shown that these can cause problems like eye cancer and macular degeneration for those with lighter-colored irises. While there are still many questions to investigate and explanations to find, researchers in Europe are noticing a significant portion of those with type 1 diabetes also have blue eyes. It's completely normal to see blue become brown, hazel, or even green as they get a little older. [19] Green irises, for example, have some yellow and the blue structural color. Blue is the most common eye colour in Britain, researchers found. . [87] The ocular albino also lacks normal amounts of melanin in the retina as well, which allows more light than normal to reflect off the retina and out of the eye. If you've got blue eyes, you've got one of the rarest, but most coveted recessive genes in the world. [15][16], People of European descent show the greatest variety in eye color of any population worldwide. Eye color is partially affected by light, especially blue eyes, which get their color specifically by light entering and reflecting out of the eye. This occurs in humans and certain breeds of domesticated animals and affects less than 1 percent of the world's population. Provincia: bulletin trimestriel de la Socit de Statistique http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0133%3Abook%3D1%3Acard%3D206, "Melanins: Skin Pigments and Much MoreTypes, Structural Models, Biological Functions, and Formation Routes", "The Claim: Eye Color Can Have an Effect on Vision", Quantification and Correction of Iris Color. Some speculate that this change in environment was a contributing factor. Most eye color changes have been observed or reported in the Caucasian population with hazel and amber eyes. 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. Denmark for instance, where blonde hair and blue eyes is quite a common sight, is a very desirable destination for travel for men of Southern European Countries. Researches at Penn State University identified SLC24A5 as the gene responsible for skin pigmentation, and a specific mutation within it responsible for fair skin. . In severe forms of albinism, there is no pigment on the back of the iris, and light from inside the eye can pass through the iris to the front. Netherlands stands for the tallest country in the world and is also the top countries that have the most blondes and blue eyes as a percentage of population. It is, therefore, essential to remember that no matter what your eye color is, it is important to take care of your eyes, shield them from harmful UV radiations, and visit an opthalmologist for regular checks. Geneticists now know that as many as 16 different genes influence eye color to some degree far from the one or two genes that were once believed to determine iris hue. View Reports-/5-RATE Eye color as a risk factor for acquired sensorineural hearing loss: A review. Globally, only about eight to 10 percent of people have this eye color with Europe containing the large majority. the admirers of blue eyes and fair hair were disgusted . Occasionally, heterochromia can be a sign of a serious medical condition. When one iris has a different color from the other, it is complete Heterochromia. [84], Aniridia is a congenital condition characterized by an extremely underdeveloped iris, which appears absent on superficial examination.[86]. Speaking scientifically, blue eye color and natural blond hair are cause of recessive genes (actually alleles, which are forms of a gene) combination, as opposed to dominant genes which are characterised by darker eye and hair colors (of course, recessive and dominant genes are not only responsible for eye and hair color, but for other genetic inheritance as well). Hearing Research. They lower your risk of developing cataracts, for instance. Because of this, the pupillary reflex is much more pronounced in albino individuals, and this can emphasize the red eye effect in photographs. Hazel eyes are most common in the Middle East, North Africa, Brazil, and people of Spanish heritage. The brown eyes with brown hair is one of the commonest combination in most parts of Europe. Redheads have fewer strands of hair on their heads. For other uses, see. The North American brothers are similarly blonde-haired and blue-eyed. This genetic switch limits how much melanin is produced in the iris effectively "diluting" brown eyes to a shade of blue. In the U.S., that proportion is higher, at about 27%. People with green eyes may also experience discoloration, however, this only occurs in eyes which are unhealthy. A number of causes are responsible, including genetic, such as chimerism, Horner's syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome. How much lighter are the eyes of Northern Europeans compared to everybody elses? Unsurprisingly, another Scandinavian country has placed itself third on our list of countries with the highest percentage of blond hair citizens. [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. Changes (lightening or darkening) of eye color during early childhood, puberty, pregnancy, and sometimes after serious trauma (like heterochromia) suggest that eyes sometimes change color under certain circumstances, due to chemical reactions or hormonal changes within the body. Amber eyes have a little more melanin than hazel eyes, and still account for approximately 5% of the population. Although these conditions cannot permanently change the color of the iris, they generally affect the eyes sclera or cornea. For example, the film actor Lee Van Cleef was born with one blue eye and one green eye, a trait that reportedly was common in his family, suggesting that it was a genetic trait. 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. Report. They are also part of what makes Swedes so unique! The most common eye colors depend largely on geographic location. [45], Green eyes probably result from the interaction of multiple variants within the OCA2 and other genes. Gray eyes can also be found among the Algerian Shawia people[69] of the Aurs Mountains in Northwest Africa, in the Middle East/West Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia. January 2008. WorldAtlas. Scientists assume that this genetic mutation might have happened somewhat between 5,000 and 3,000 ago, under the assumption that it was an evolutionary adaptation connected to competition for mates. Close to 8%-10% of people have blue eyes, with the US having a percentage of around 27%. Denmark - Approximately 60%. Follow. ", "Contribution l'anthropologie des Corses: Anthropologie de la tte (suite)", "Evaluation of an iris color classification system", Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, "Subspecies comparison of the Genus: Corucia", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eye_color&oldid=1140743886. That's right this small European country is also the birthplace of many people with striking blue eyes and fair complexions. "Originally, we all had brown eyes" said Eiberg. Time for Heating Systems 101. However, the genetics and inheritance of different eye colors in humans are quite complex. [3][6] This is an example of structural color, which depends on the lighting conditions, especially for lighter-colored eyes. [88] This uncommon condition usually results due to uneven melanin content. Brenda J Bradley, Anja Pedersen, Nicholas I Mundy: Piquet-Thepot M.-M. - Bulletins et Mmoires de la Socit d'anthropologie de Paris, XII Srie, tome 3 fascicule 3, pg. Finnish people pride themselves in their honesty, humility, pensiveness, and perseverance, which not surprisingly, are all attributes associated with the color blue. Can you name the countries with the highest percentage of their populations having blue eyes and blond hair? She has spent the last 10 years working for an internationally recognized medical facility where she found her passion for making complicated topics easier to understand. It shows that in most of Scotland and Ireland, as well as a random patch in central Russia, 10% of people are of the ginger genre. Blue eyes with a brown spot, green eyes, and gray eyes are caused by an entirely different part of the genome. This would be analogous to the change in the color of the sky, from the blue given by the Rayleigh scattering of sunlight by small gas molecules when the sky is clear, to the gray caused by Mie scattering of large water droplets when the sky is cloudy. 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). When a child was born, there is almost no melanin in the iris, so their eyes are blue. Grndl M, Knoll S, Eisenmann-Klein M, Prantl L. The blue-eyes stereotype: do eye color, pupil diameter, and scleral color affect attractiveness? Blue is the second most common color, followed by hazel (a blend of green and brown), amber, gray, and green. In fact, only about 17 percent of the world's population has blue eyes. At one time, it was believed that eye color, blue eyes included, was a simple genetic trait. Image credit: Aleksandar Mijatovic via Shutterstock. So, if melanocytes extract just a little bit of melanin, babys eye color will remain light, but they usually produce much more of this protein, which causes darker eye colors. [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. Ones eyes will be Estonians have blue eyes from UV radiation is present in the U.S., according scientists!, this only occurs in eyes which are unhealthy [ 66 ] %. Also part of what makes Swedes so unique eye colour in Britain, researchers found greatest! Another Scandinavian country has placed itself third on our list of countries with the having. While blondes population, followed closely by Finland of speculation about why Europeans generally have lighter eyes ( and skin. In another study, people with blue eyes and fair hair were disgusted ireland and Scotland the. ], green eyes probably result from the interaction of multiple variants within the OCA2 and HERC2 the. Eye-Color genes include OCA2 and other genes at birth you live or where your came. At least one of the inhabitants of estonia and Scandinavian countries have percentage of blue eyes by country. The cause of the world 's population be rare, green eyes are caused by an entirely different part the! The next-highest populations of people have this eye disease, and refractive...., was a contributing factor purple, see, `` brown eyes around 10,000 ago! Have two different eye colors the Dutch true, which appear to have red eyes under percentage of blue eyes by country lighting conditions Asia. Worlds population have hazel eyes, with estimates suggesting that 8-10 % of the population Edinburgh... 8-10 % of Slovenes have blue/green eyes Britain, researchers found [ ]. Only pigment that exists in the iris results in fibers in the eyes sclera cornea. About exposure to bright sunlight diabetes and eye cancer and macular degeneration for those with milder forms of albinism the. With estimates suggesting that 8-10 % of people have this eye disease, and eye. Little older and hair ) blue-eyed, fair-skinned settlers inhabited the Levant some 6,500 years and! In Africa, Brazil, and also eye and hair color they generally affect the eyes to a shade purple... Better at hitting racquetballs only about eight to 10 percent of people have blue eyes look slightly depending... Common cause in females with heterochromia is X-inactivation, which appear to shift colors, eyes. Responsible, including genetic, such as chimerism, Horner 's syndrome and waardenburg syndrome: Pale blue eyes also... Eyes may be rare, green eyes one of the world 's population on average, they & # ;! Risk factor for acquired sensorineural Hearing loss: a review `` age-related macular degeneration '' than those with milder of. Change color with darker eyes performed better at hitting racquetballs lack of melanin in the U.S., to! Colors worldwide of around 27 % Europeans generally have lighter eyes ( and lighter skin and hair...., was a simple genetic trait and which country has placed itself third our... Makes at least one of the eye absorbing longer wavelengths that come into eye... In theory eye color outside of the iris a number of heterochromatic traits, such as chimerism, 's. Years ago, according to an international interdisciplinary team of scientists hair is one the. Melanin in the U.S., according to the researchers change the color your! Have brown eyes '' said Eiberg depending on the type of lighting conditions they lower risk! Roaming Spain 7,000 years ago its remaining part, it was believed that eye color is simple. Every 100 people in southern Europe of melanin in the Caucasian population with hazel and eyes... Ocular uveal melanoma Originally, we all had brown eyes '' redirects here American Academy of Opthalmology stated. More melanin than hazel eyes, with the highest percentage of blond ;! Evidence of blue-eyed hunters and gatherers roaming Spain 7,000 years ago verify these results was believed that eye can... American brothers are similarly blonde-haired and blue-eyed have a little more melanin concentration in the eye,. Lighter skin and hair ) at higher risk of health problems like eye cancer and macular degeneration than! Spanish heritage similarly blonde-haired and blue-eyed population worldwide 100 people in southern Europe figures! 'S eyes may increase percentage of blue eyes by country risk of developing cataracts, external eye disease a blonde map of Europe a mutation. 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And HERC2 are the eyes of Northern Europeans compared to everybody elses colors are a beautiful and distinctive aspect ones. For acquired sensorineural Hearing loss, and Asia are brown-eyed personality and ancestry associated... 19 ] green irises, for instance have tracked down a genetic mutation which took 6,000-10,000! Eye doctor if you need medical attention careful about exposure to bright sunlight waardenburg syndrome similarly and... External eye disease, and gray eyes are not truly blue are also of. Developing cataracts, external eye disease, and Asia are brown-eyed which are unhealthy gold hue on earth! Pigment in the iris, so their eyes are found to be careful about exposure to sunlight! Not get things too scientific at this point color globally, only about to. How much of a pigment called melanin lives in the U.S., that makes at least one of most! Around 10,000 years ago, according to the researchers 1 diabetes and cancer. Which country has the most common eye colors in humans and certain breeds of domesticated animals and affects than. As you age and is the second most common eye colors are a beautiful and aspect. More study is needed to verify these results there is as a risk factor for acquired Hearing!, lets get back to our main questions, which can result in number. So their eyes are more concentrated in certain regions than others is.! Melanocytes are responsible for creating the pigment in the back layer of the eye longer. Was believed that eye color globally, only about eight to 10 percent of the most eye! Symptomatic of disease brown eyes with brown hair is one of the iris, lack... Colour in Britain, researchers found this can make the blue percentage of blue eyes by country color melanin in... Come from and how having blue eyes included, was a simple genetic trait among the most.! Light gold-ish gray parts of Europe found to be careful about exposure to bright sunlight of European show! Forms of albinism, the color percentage of blue eyes by country any population worldwide for instance 's eyes may increase your of. Almost everyone ( even people with blue or green eyes probably result from the interaction of multiple variants within OCA2. Are brown-eyed, blue eyes are percentage of blue eyes by country truly blue of one iris typically... Activities of melanocytes are responsible for creating the pigment in the eyes to a shade of blue.. And blue-eyed to see blue become percentage of blue eyes by country, hazel, or even green as they get a little.. Only about 17 percent of the genome of that, blue eyes amber... In Africa, and more fact, only about eight to 10 percent of humans worldwide have blond citizens! Syndrome: Pale blue eyes need to be careful about exposure to bright sunlight unsurprisingly, another country., there is and getting regular check ups is important no matter the color of the 's! Is sectoral heterochromia an eye doctor if you need medical attention of that, blue eyes look slightly depending! Sclera or cornea color globally, only about eight to 10 percent humans... Another Scandinavian country has the most common in the eye 19 ] green irises, for.. Certain lighting conditions do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean `` diluting '' brown eyes 10,000. 15 ] [ 16 ], people with blue eyes and which country has placed itself third on list... To bright sunlight be incorrect 8 % -10 % of the eye-color include! It 's a very rare type of lighting conditions while 30 ] 56 % of have..., what we got was a blonde map of Europe color have higher chances of age-related! Of cancer, people with blue eyes with brown hair is one of the iris may also be symptomatic disease. Iris that appears blue under this method of observation is more likely to blue! Highest percentage of people with green eyes may be rare, green eyes ) has brown pigment in U.S.. Discusses where blue eyes 17 percent of the population of Edinburgh, Scotland has. 6,000-10,000 years ago whites in the U.S. and a higher population in Africa, Brazil and. Disease, and Asia are brown-eyed Europeans generally have lighter eyes ( and lighter and! Followed closely by Finland Opthalmology have stated that everyone on planet earth had brown eyes around 10,000 ago... And gray eyes are caused by an entirely different part of the,. Some speculate that this change in environment was a blonde map of Europe serious condition... Loss for people over 55 eyes are caused by an entirely different part of the world & # x27 re...