Brown eyes fascinate and intrigue. Although they are the most common eye color in the world, they hide many secrets and curiosities. Find out all you need to know from our article!
Brown eyes and genetics
Brown eyes are the most common eye color, they are the result of the presence of a large amount of eumelanin in the iris lining. Eumelanin absorbs light, especially of shorter wavelengths, which gives the eyes a darker hue. Genetically speaking, brown eyes are dominant over other colors, such as blue or green.
The genetics of eye color is complex and relies on many genes that work together to determine the final color of the iris. The genes responsible for eye color are mainly located on chromosomes 15 and 19. The most important genes are OCA2 and HERC2, which control the production and distribution of melanin in the iris.
Although brown eye color is dominant, this does not mean that two people with brown eyes cannot have a child with blue eyes. It all depends on the combination of genes that the child inherits from the parents. If both parents carry the recessive gene responsible for blue eyes, there is a chance that their child will have blue eyes, even if both parents have brown eyes.
It is also worth noting that eye color can change during life. Many babies are born with blue eyes, which can become brown or green as they mature. These changes are caused by increased melanin production in the iris as we age.
How many percent of people have brown eyes?
According to various sources, between 55 and as many as 79% of people worldwide have brown eyes. They are particularly popular among people in Africa, South America and Asia. In Europe, on the other hand, blue and gray shades predominate.
Brown eyes are the most common eye color in the world, but their prevalence varies by region. In Africa and Asia, the majority of the population has brown eyes, due to the predominant presence of the genes responsible for this eye color in these populations. In South America, brown is also the dominant color, although in some regions, such as Argentina and Chile, a greater variety of eye colors can be found due to the mixing of different ethnic groups.
In Europe, the situation is more diverse. Although brown eyes are common in southern and eastern Europe, in northern Europe, especially in Scandinavian countries, blue and gray shades predominate. This is due to the inheritance of the genes responsible for these eye colors in northern European populations.
It is also worth noting that eye color is a polygenic trait, meaning that it is controlled by multiple genes. Therefore, even in regions where one eye color predominates, there is always some variation. For example, in Asia, although most people have brown eyes, you can find people with green or blue eyes, although they are rare.
Green-brown eyes – rarity or norm?
Green-brown eyes are the result of a mixture of yellow and brown pigments in the iris. People with this eye color have small amounts of yellow and brown pigment, which creates a unique and rare shade.
The green-brown color, also often called “hazel” or“peony,” is one of the most diverse eye colors. Depending on the light and the person’s clothing, this shade can appear more green, brown or even golden. This variability is the result of a unique combination of pigments in the iris.
Although green-brown eyes are not as common as pure brown eyes, they are not uncommon either. It is estimated that about 5-8% of people worldwide have eyes of this color. They are especially common in regions where different ethnic groups mix, such as the Middle East and some parts of Europe.
The genetics of green-brown eyes is complicated. Although the dominant gene responsible for brown eyes may be present, the presence of other genes affects the production of yellow pigment, leading to this unique hue. It is also worth noting that people with green-brown eyes often have relatives with green or blue eyes, indicating the genetic diversity of this trait.
Brown eyes vs. hair color
People with brown eyes often wonder what hair color will be most suitable for them. Much depends on skin tone, but in general brown eyes go beautifully with dark hair. However, brown eyes and light hair can also create an attractive contrast.
Brown eyes are versatile and go well with many hair tones. People with warm skin tones and brown eyes often choose warm hair shades, such as copper, gold or warm brown. These colors accentuate the warmth of brown eyes and add a glow to the face.
People with cool skin tones and brown eyes may choose cooler hair shades, such as ashy brown, dark brown or even black. These shades emphasize the depth of brown eyes and add definition to the face.
Brown eyes and light hair is a combination that can look extremely attractive, especially if the hair has gold or honey highlights. This combination creates a contrast that draws the eye and adds freshness to the face.
It is also worth paying attention to makeup. People with brown eyes can experiment with different eye shadow colors that will highlight their eye color. Warm shades, such as browns, golds and reds, emphasize the warmth of brown eyes, while cooler shades, such as grays or blues, create an interesting contrast.
When do eyes turn brown?
Many babies are born with blue eyes, which can change color over time. This process is related to the production of melanin. In most children, the color of the eyes is established by the first year of life, but in some it can take as long as the third year.
Eye color is determined by the amount and type of melanin in the iris of the eye. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair and eyes. Infants are born with less of this pigment in their eyes, which often makes them blue in color. However, as melanin production increases in the first months of life, eye color can begin to change.
For children with dark-skinned parents, the change in eye color to brown is more likely to occur and can happen more quickly. Children with light-skinned parents may retain their blue eye color for a longer period of time, but it is still possible that their eyes will turn green, peony or brown as the amount of melanin increases.
It is also worth noting that eye color can change slightly throughout life. Although major changes are most pronounced in childhood, small fluctuations in the amount of melanin can affect the shade of the eyes in adulthood. Factors such as sun exposure, diet and disease can affect melanin production and slightly alter eye color.
Summary – secrets of brown eyes
Brown eyes are not only the most common, but also the most mysterious eye color. Genetics, the percentage of people with brown eyes, their combination with hair color and the moment when eyes change color are just some of the fascinating aspects of this topic.
Brown eyes – the most frequently asked questions
If someone has brown eyes, it means that there is a large amount of eumelanin pigment in their iris, giving the eyes a darker hue.
It is estimated that between 55 and 79% of people in the world have brown eyes.
Brown eyes are not rare; they are the most common eye color in the world.
Yes, the term “peony eyes” is often used as a synonym for brown eyes.
Many Poles have eyes in shades of gray-blue, but brown and green eyes are also common.
Beauty is subjective, so any eye color can be considered the prettiest depending on individual preference.