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Revision as of 11:23, 19 December 2004 by 160.39.145.38 (talk) (→Blue eyes)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)- This article is about the geographical distribution and social connotations of eye color in humans. For an anatomical explanation of the pigmentation of the iris, see iris (anatomy).
Human beings have many variations in eye color.
Colors
Blue eyes
Blue eyes are a relatively rare eye color. They are found in people of northern European descent.
Blue eye color is a recessive trait, and the gene must be present (though not necessarily apparent) in both parents for a child to be born with blue eyes.
Blue eye color also contains less melanin, which protects from sun damage. Consequently, blue-eyed people are more suseptible to retinal damage or related conditions due to extensive sun exposure.
The Nazi Party promoted a supposed blue-eyed, blonde-haired ideal.
In the mid-20th century, blue eyes were considered very desirable in those aspiring to be Hollywood actors and actresses. This became less true toward the latter half of that century.
Brown eyes
The vast majority of the world's people have dark eyes, ranging from brown to nearly black. Most of the original inhabitants of Africa and Asia have brown eyes. Brown eyes are also found in Europe, though within that continent they do not predominate to the same extent as the other two continents mentioned.
Light brown eyes are often characterized as hazel eyes.
Green eyes
Green eyes may be confused with hazel eyes.
Grey eyes
Red eyes
The red-eye effect commonly appears in photographs, especially in those with light eyes. Also, irises entirely lacking in the pigment melanin appear red. This trait is characteristic of albinism.