Your eye colour is one of the most unique things about you. No one else in the world has the exact same shade or pattern, not even identical twins. Eye colour isn’t just a beautiful feature—it can also reveal hints about your genetics, health, and heritage, making it all the more fascinating.
Eye colour is determined by melanin, a pigment in the iris, which is the ring of muscle tissue surrounding the pupil. This tissue controls how much light enters your eyes. If you have a lot of melanin in both layers of your iris, your eyes will be brown, the most common eye colour in the world.
People with hazel or green eyes have less melanin in the front layer of their iris, while blue or grey eyes result from very little melanin. Amber eyes are unique because they have a yellowish pigment called lipochrome, giving them a warm, golden hue.
Even though there are six main eye colours—brown, blue, green, grey, hazel, and amber—the combinations and patterns within these colours are endless, making every pair of eyes truly one of a kind.
When it comes to rarity, brown eyes are the most common globally, with over half the world’s population having them. Green eyes, on the other hand, are the rarest, occurring in only about 2% of people. For those with albinism, the lack of melanin in the iris can make their eyes appear red or pink, as light reflects off blood vessels in the back of the eye.
Your eye colour isn’t just an aesthetic feature; it can also give clues about your health.
Light-coloured eyes (blue, green, grey)
Sensitivity to Sunlight: Light-coloured eyes have less melanin, so they don’t filter sunlight as well. This makes people with blue or green eyes more prone to light sensitivity and eye damage from UV rays.
Higher Risk of Eye Diseases: Studies link lighter eyes to a higher chance of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), where the retina deteriorates with age. Regular check-ups can catch early signs of AMD.
Dark-coloured eyes (brown, black)
Natural UV Protection: More melanin means better protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Brown-eyed individuals are less likely to develop certain eye conditions, like AMD, but should still wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
Higher Risk of Cataracts: While dark eyes protect against sunlight, they might absorb more heat, increasing the risk of cataracts over time. Eye exams and sunglasses can help prevent damage.
Unusual eye conditions
Heterochromia: Having two differently coloured eyes can be genetic or caused by injury. If it happens suddenly, it might indicate medical conditions like pigment dispersion syndrome or inflammation.
Yellow Eyes: If the whites of your eyes turn yellow, it could signal liver problems like jaundice.
Copper Rings (Wilson’s Disease): A golden-brown ring in the cornea could mean Wilson’s Disease, a condition affecting copper metabolism.
General health tips for all eye colours
Protect Against UV Rays: Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement—they’re essential for preventing long-term damage.
Eat for Eye Health: Foods like spinach, salmon, and carrots are packed with nutrients like lutein, omega-3s, and vitamin A that support vision.
Visit the eye doctor regularly: Annual check-ups help catch issues early, no matter your eye colour.
While your eye colour may reveal a little about your health, taking care of your eyes with good habits is the best way to ensure they stay healthy for years to come.
