How do Blue Eyes Develop? 

Your eye colour is determined by your genes [Source: 1] and the eye colour of your parents. Brown is the most common and dominant colour, followed by green, blue, and grey. 

However, genes aren’t the only factor. The colour of the iris (the coloured part of the eye) is influenced by the amount of melanin, a pigment ranging from brown to reddish. The amount of melanin in the iris determines the eye colour: 

  • More melanin results in darker eyes. Brown eyes have a high concentration of melanin. 

  • Less melanin results in lighter eyes, making them appear green, blue, or grey depending on the concentration.

The Meaning of Blue Eyes 

People with blue eyes are often associated with certain character traits: 

  • Blue-eyed individuals are considered very self-confident and assertive. 

  • A study from the University of Maryland [Source: 2] found that blue-eyed boys are more likely to be reserved and shy in early childhood. 

  • Blue eyes are often considered a beauty ideal. Studies [Source: 3] indicate that many people would choose blue eyes if they could, which is why coloured contact lenses are so popular. 

  • Blue eyes are especially attractive to potential partners, particularly men. Women tend to find both brown and blue eyes equally appealing. 

Blue Eyes: Genetics and Inheritance 

Are Blue Eyes a Genetic Mutation? 

About 6,000 to 10,000 years ago, all humans had brown eyes. A genetic mutation in one individual led to the development of blue eyes. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen [Source: 4] believe that all blue-eyed people are descendants of this ancestor with the mutated gene. 

How Many People Have Blue Eyes? 

Only about 8 percent of the world’s population has blue eyes. These are most commonly found in Northern European countries [Source: 5] like Sweden and Finland, where up to 90 percent of people have blue eyes. Globally, 90 percent of people have brown eyes, while only 2 percent have green eyes. 

From Ice Blue to Dark Blue: The Many Shades 

Blue eyes come in a variety of shades: 

  • Ice Blue 

  • Crystal Blue 

  • Sky Blue 

  • Blue-Grey 

  • Blue-Green 

  • Dark Blue 

How do these different shades occur [Source: 5(A)]?  

  • While melanin (pigments) in the iris determines eye colour, there are no blue pigments. Melanin is always brown to reddish.  

  • With low melanin concentrations, the iris is lightly coloured, and light passing through makes the eyes appear in various shades of blue to grey.  

  • In short, the less melanin, the bluer the eyes. 

Which Glasses Colours Suit Blue Eyes? 

Blue eyes are considered attractive and sexy – the right frame colour can make them stand out even more. A blue frame matches beautifully with blue eyes, but classic colours like black or grey, and complementary colours, create stunning contrasts. The following colours highlight blue eyes wonderfully:

  • Vibrant Orange 

  • Mystical Violet Tones 

  • Bright Red 

  • Earthy Brown Shades 

  • Elegant Silver 

  • Classic Black or Grey 

  • Simple Transparent 

Tip: Anti-reflective lenses reduce light reflections on the glass, giving a clearer view of your eyes. 

The Right Makeup for Blue Eyes 

Eyeshadow tones like terracotta or apricot flatter blue eyes well. Soft pink shades also complement the cool eye colour. For special occasions, opt for champagne or metallic tones like bronze. For a natural daytime look, use a brown eyeliner – black can appear too harsh. 

Blue Eyes – Key Facts at a Glance 

  • Only about 8 percent of the world’s population has blue eyes. 

  • Blue eyes originated 6,000 to 10,000 years ago due to a genetic mutation. Before this, all humans had brown eyes. 

  • Blue-eyed people are often seen as self-confident and attractive. 

  • Light eyes are more sensitive to light due to fewer pigments. 

  • Best frame colours for blue eyes: orange tones, blue, black, silver, grey, brown, or transparent. 

  • Anti-reflective lenses provide a clear view through the glass and into the eyes. 

Sources: 

  1. Human Eye Colour; Scholarly Community Encyclopedia Human Eye Color https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/37922; 5 December 2022; English. 

  2. Human Commercial Models’ Eye Colour Shows Negative Frequency-Dependent Selection; National Library of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5179042/; 16 December 2022; English. 

  3. The Blue-Eyes Stereotype: Do Eye Color, Pupil Diameter, and Scleral Color Affect Attractiveness?; Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 36, 234–240; https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00266-011-9793-x; 20. August 2011; English

  4. Blue eye color in humans may be caused by a perfectly associated founder mutation in a regulatory element located within the HERC2 gene inhibiting OCA2 expression; Human Genetics 123, 177–187; https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00439-007-0460-x; 3. Januar 2008; English

  5. Eye Colour; Wikipedia; https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augenfarbe; Last edited 22 April 2023 at 06:52.

    1. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augenfarbe#cite_note-RemingtonGoodwin2011-1

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