How Do Grey Eyes Develop? 

Your eye colour is determined by your genes and the eye colours of your parents. Brown is the most common and dominant colour, followed by green, blue, and the rare 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: 

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

  • More melanin results in darker eyes. 

The Meaning of Grey Eyes 

People with grey eyes are often attributed with certain traits: 

  • They are considered calm, gentle, and friendly, but also passionate and slightly mysterious. 

  • Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, was said to have had grey eyes, associating grey-eyed people with wisdom. 

  • Researchers at Griffith University in Queensland found [Source: 1] that people with this rare eye colour are more competitive than those with darker eyes. 

Grey Eyes: Genetics and Inheritance 

Why Are Grey Eyes So Rare? 

The dominance of brown eye colour in inheritance explains why most people have dark eyes [Source: 2]. Green eyes are also dominant, while blue and grey eyes are recessively inherited. In short, brown eyes often prevail over lighter eye colours. However, eye colour inheritance can skip generations. 

How Many People Have Grey Eyes? 

Studies [Source: 3] show that 90 percent of the world’s population has brown eyes. Only 8 percent have blue or grey eyes, and less than 2 percent have green eyes [Source: 4]. There are regional differences: grey eyes are more common in Northern and Eastern Europe, while less frequent in southern regions. Scientists suggest that the lack of sunlight in northern countries may contribute to this distribution, as lighter eyes allow more light to penetrate, aiding in vitamin D production. 

Versatile Shades of Grey Eyes 

  • Whether blue-grey, green-grey, light or dark grey, this cool eye colour appears in many shades. Depending on the clothing, eye makeup, or glasses frame colour, the grey can seem to change slightly. 

  • When grey-eyed people experience emotions like sadness or joy, their pupils dilate, making the grey appear darker, although the eye colour itself doesn’t change. 

  • Scientists believe that grey eyes contain just enough melanin in the front layer of the iris to soften blue light waves reflected by the eye tissue.

  • The darker the grey, the more melanin is present in the front layer of the iris. 

Which Glasses Colours Suit Grey Eyes? 

Grey eyes are often associated with attributes like ""deep,"" ""noble,"" and ""gentle."" Choosing the right frame colour can make your eyes stand out even more. 

A silver or grey frame always works well with grey eyes. Subtle yet striking, black frames also look fantastic. Want a bit more colour? Pink or violet tones harmonise beautifully with your eyes. Here are our top recommendations: 

  • Elegant Silver 

  • Timeless Grey 

  • Classic Black 

  • Simple Transparent 

  • Soft Pink 

  • Mystical Violet 

  • Fresh Blue 

Tip: Anti-reflective lenses reduce light reflections on the glass, providing a clearer view of your eyes and any stunning eye makeup. 

Grey Eyes – Key Facts at a Glance 

  • Only 8 percent of the world’s population has grey or blue eyes, with grey eyes being more common in Northern Europe. 

  • People with grey eyes are considered calm, gentle, friendly, and also passionate and determined. 

  • Grey eyes are more sensitive to light, so wearing sunglasses with UV protection is recommended. 

  • Best frame colours for grey eyes: grey, silver, black, pink, violet, transparent, and blue. 

  • Anti-reflective lenses reduce light reflections on the glass, providing a clearer view of your eyes. 

Sources: 

  1. Eye color predicts disagreeableness in North Europeans: support in favor of Frost; Gardiner, Elliroma, Jackson, Chris J; https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/bitstream/handle/10072/57090/91050_1.pdf; 2010; English 

  2. Eye Colour; Wikipedia; https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augenfarbe; Last edited 22 April 2023  

  3. Molecular and biochemical mechanisms of human iris color: A comprehensive review; National Library of Medicine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32488945/ ; 2. Juni 2020; English 

  4. Human Eye Color; Scholarly Community Encyclopedia https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/37922; 5. Dezember 2022, English

Tips for Maintaining Eye Health 

Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays 

Grey eyes are more sensitive to light because they have fewer pigments, allowing more sunlight to penetrate. Unfiltered UV light can damage the retina. Glasses with UV protection shield your eyes from harmful UV rays and are a trendy accessory. At Mister Spex, super anti-reflective coating, extra hardening, and UV filters are included in every lens. 

Regular Eye Tests 

Before buying new glasses, get your eyes tested. We recommend a routine check every two years for glasses wearers. 

Buy Glasses Online at Mister Spex 

Start your search now and browse the extensive range for women and men at Mister Spex. Discover glasses from popular brands like Ray-Ban, Tom Ford, Ultralight Classics, MONTBLANC, Oakley, CO Optical, Gucci, Emporio Armani, and more." 

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