percentage of blue eyes by country

Even though amber is similar to gold, some people have russet or copper colored amber eyes that are mistaken for hazel, though hazel tends to be duller and contains green with red/gold flecks, as mentioned above. Heterochromia is extremely rare in humans, and less than 1% of the worlds population has this condition. This can make the blue eyes look slightly different depending on the type of lighting conditions. Medicaid: Eligibility and Vision Benefits. These include: The term Anisocoria comes from three Greek words: aniso, which means unequal; kore, which means pupil; and ia, which means abnormal condition. Most Asian and African children are born with brown and black eyes. Brown eyes result from a relatively high concentration of melanin in the stroma of the iris, which causes light of both shorter and longer wavelengths to be absorbed.[27]. Your blue eyes arent really blue. In other words, it's impossible to know for sure if your children will have blue eyes or any other color. Are contact lenses a good choice for kids? Genetic research suggests that until about 10,000 years ago, pretty much everyone had brown eyes. Quite a bit. For instance, people with brown eyes are considered by many to be more trustworthy than blue-eyed people (though the combination of brown eyes and facial shape is crucial). Eye color is one of the first things people notice about one another. Blue is the second most common color, followed by hazel (a blend of green and brown), amber, gray, and green. [50] Among European Americans, green eyes are most common among those of recent Celtic and Germanic ancestry with about 16%. Blue eyes as a risk factor for type 1 diabetes, Eye color as a risk factor for acquired sensorineural hearing loss: A review, A global view of the OCA2-HERC2 region and pigmentation. Scientists have tracked down a genetic mutation which took place 6,000-10,000 years ago and is the cause of the eye . [12], Eye color is an inherited trait determined by multiple genes. Estonia is the country most known for its fair-skinned, blue-eyed population, followed closely by Finland. Even though there is a high number of blond and blue-eyed people living in Britain today, the highest percentage of blue eyes is recorded in South East Scotland with 57%. The iris is the colored part of the eye. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) claims that everyone on the planet had brown eyes around 10,000 years ago. 2011;27(6):609-613. doi:10.1002/dmrr.1214. Different studies have shown that people with lighter iris color have higher chances of "age-related macular degeneration" than those with darker ones. Arina was adopted by a family in Toronto four years . In Britain, for example, a 2014 study found that green was more prevalent than brown 30 percent to 22 percent although most were blue, 48 percent. initiative combines industry-leading health and safety standards with virtual technologies designed to keep real estate moving forward, and give our employees, customers and partners confidence and support to stay safe. That's 13 million people, out of the 7.6 billion on Earth. They lower your risk of developing cataracts, for instance. Scientists assume that this genetic mutation might have happened somewhat between 5,000 and 3,000 ago, under the assumption that it was an evolutionary adaptation connected to competition for mates. The stunning combination of blue eyes and sandy brown or blonde hair is much sought after in other countries, but very much the norm here. Eiberg studied the DNA of 800 men and women with blue eyes from varying countries ranging from "fair-skinned, blond-haired Scandinavians to dark-skinned, blue-eyed people living in Turkey and . [46], Green eyes are most common in Northern, Western and Central Europe. Close to 3% of people in the world have gray eyes. [66] 56% of Slovenes have blue/green eyes. Sturm R.A. & Larsson M., Genetics of human iris colour and patterns, Pigment Cell Melanoma Res, 22:544-562, 2009. An article released Monday in the peer-reviewed . [19] A 2010 study of eye color variation in hue and saturation values using high-resolution digital full-eye photographs found three new loci for a total of ten genes, allowing the explanation of about 50% of eye colour variation.[20]. Nothing to do with their mythical fiery temperament! Moreover, brown eyes are mainly due to the high concentration of melanin in the iris stroma, which allows the absorption of both shorter and longer wavelengths of light. or brown eyes. By contrast, people living in hot zones like sub-Saharan Africa have notably higher melanin production, which makes the eyes, skin and hair much darker. She has spent the last 10 years working for an internationally recognized medical facility where she found her passion for making complicated topics easier to understand. Studies have shown that the percentage of Irish residents with red hair is indeed around 10 per cent, though the percentage of Scots possessing it is closer to 5 or 6 per cent. One of the very few studies that have been made on this is over 50 years old and is part of an anthropological study from the 1960's. The study concluded that somewhere between 50 and 80 percent . Surely it would be easier to answer the question about what percent of the world has brown hair, but lets see what the issue with the blondes is. Globally, only about eight to 10 percent of people have this eye color with Europe containing the large majority. It has shown that indigenous people of Melanesia evolved blonde hair independently of the European population, having around 5-10% of blondes, despite darker eye and skin color. Priscilla Vu, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist. Send a Message. : 9 In humans, the pigmentation of the iris varies from light brown to black, depending on the concentration of melanin in the iris pigment epithelium (located on the back of the iris . "[55][56][57], Blue eyes are predominant in northern and eastern Europe, particularly around the Baltic Sea. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? In the U.S., that proportion is higher, at about 27%. However, a blue-eyed child is almost certain if both parents have blue eyes. Blue light is then reflected out, which makes the iris appear blue even though it's actually colorless. The website WorldAtlas.com takes a stab at estimating the breakdown of eye colors worldwide. For example, the film actor Lee Van Cleef was born with one blue eye and one green eye, a trait that reportedly was common in his family, suggesting that it was a genetic trait. But about 30 percent of left-handed folks are either partial to the right hemisphere or have no dominant hemisphere at all. If you have blue eyes, it means the iris part of your eyes lacks melanin, so, technically, blue eyes don't have any color. The inheritance pattern followed by blue eyes was previously assumed to be a mendelian recessive trait, however, eye color inheritance is now recognized as a polygenic trait, meaning that it is controlled by the interactions of several genes. Blue eyes are also found in Central Asia, North Africa, South Asia, West Asia, and Southern Europe. Krystina is a Technical Writer with a background in healthcare. Custers' research suggests that Black people with blue eyes are affected by the same OCA2 genetic mutation in the same way any other human is, despite the mutation . [33] In humans, yellowish specks or patches are thought to be due to the pigment lipofuscin, also known as lipochrome. The hazel eye color is primarily due to the combination of a decent amount of melanin and Rayleigh scattering. [12] A specific mutation within the HERC2 gene, a gene that regulates OCA2 expression, is partly responsible for blue eyes. Amber eye color is commonly found in Pakistan and the Balkan region, as well as in Southern France, the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and Hungary, and in fewer numbers in the Middle East, Colombia, and the Southern Cone region. [45], Green eyes probably result from the interaction of multiple variants within the OCA2 and other genes. Another hypothesis about heterochromia is that it can result from a viral infection in utero affecting the development of one eye, possibly through some sort of genetic mutation. That's called phototoxicity. Since beauty is nowadays mostly the matter of a subjective opinion, there are still some standards that define someone as beautiful, but on that matter, you will find more interesting information in the article aboutcountries with the most beautiful women in Europe andcountries with the most beautiful women in the world. Aesth Plast Surg. They studied the genes that coded blue eyes in all of these individuals. A chimera can have two different colored eyes just like any two siblings canbecause each cell has different eye color genes. Hazel eyes are due to a combination of Rayleigh scattering and a moderate amount of melanin in the iris' anterior border layer. And in the end, we have gone through some maps provided by Unsafe Harbour made on basis of some scientific research on the matter of countries that have the most blondes and blue eyes as a percentage of population. [7] Humans and other animals have many phenotypic variations in eye color. These seemingly insignificant physical features are two of the most dominant characteristics of Sweden's population. 15 Best Places to Travel in November in Europe, Asia and Tropical Destinations 15 Most Expensive Items You Can Buy on Amazon. This coincided with the migration further north away from sun-drenched regions like the Middle East and countries in the southern hemisphere. Moreover, a gray iris may indicate uveitis, while those with blue, green, or gray eyes are at an increased risk of uveal melanoma. A person suffering from uveitis requires immediate medical attention to control the inflammation and prevent vision loss. Eye damage from UV and blue light appears to be related to your lifetime exposure to these rays, so wearing sunglasses that block 100% UV (and most blue light) should start during childhood, when possible. Green eyes: The most attractive eye color? ", Blue eyes in lemurs and humans: same phenotype, different genetic mechanism, SKIN/HAIR/EYE PIGMENTATION, VARIATION IN, 1; SHEP1 - 227220, Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Ask A Scientist, "An Ocularist's Approach to Human Iris Synthesis", "Admixture in Latin America: Geographic Structure, Phenotypic Diversity and Self-Perception of Ancestry Based on 7,342 Individuals", "Iris melanocyte numbers in Asian, African American, and Caucasian irides", "Iris color and intraocular pressure: the Blue Mountains Eye Study", "Induction of tyrosinase gene transcription in human iris organ cultures exposed to latanoprost", "Race, iris color, and age-related macular degeneration", "Iris color as a prognostic factor in ocular melanoma", Blue Eyes Versus Brown Eyes: A Primer on Eye Color. The brown eyes with brown hair is one of the commonest combination in most parts of Europe. Click to read the article and view the infographic. Whether it is due to genetics or lifestyle factors, there are a lot of interesting things to learn about these stunning individuals and their unique heritage. Blond hair percentage: 75. The content on this site is for informational purposes only. Some eyes have a dark ring around the iris, called a limbal ring. Iris color and associated pathological ocular complications: a review of epidemiologic studies. A number of causes are responsible, including genetic, such as chimerism, Horner's syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome. For years, researchers had searched for it on the OCA2 gene. In these cases, the only color seen is the red from the hemoglobin of the blood in the capillaries of the iris. Researchers found that only 17 to 22 percent of white cats with non-blue eyes are born deaf. Now, geneticists suggest everybody with non-brown eyes can trace their eye color back to that one person. Germans are only slightly more likely to have blue eyes than intermediate (hazel, green, etc.) Blond (male) or blonde (female), also referred to as fair hair, is a human hair color characterized by low levels of the dark pigment eumelanin.The resultant visible hue depends on various factors, but always has some yellowish color. All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. While it's a very rare type of cancer, people with blue eyes are at higher risk of developing ocular uveal melanoma. Blue eyes aren't even actually blue. [49] Around 810% of men and 1821% of women in Iceland and 6% of men and 17% of women in the Netherlands, have green eyes. [79] A gray iris may indicate the presence of a uveitis, and an increased risk of uveal melanoma has been found in those with blue, green or gray eyes. Some speculate that this change in environment was a contributing factor. This is because - according to research - redheads are more sensitive to hot and cold pain. There is no blue pigmentation either in the iris or in the vitreous body. Comments. There are many other possible reasons for having two different-colored eyes. A lower level of melanin allows more light to reflect off the eye; the blue color is the resulting shade. Blue eyes are an inherited trait. Associated with differences between blue and green eyes. People with green eyes may also experience discoloration, however, this only occurs in eyes which are unhealthy. Additionally, Icelanders are very passionate about supporting their sports teams! [74][75][76] Eyes that appear red or violet under certain conditions due to albinism are less than 1 percent of the world's population. Hereditary deafness is a major concern in white cats, and even more so if one or both irises are blue in color. Sharing the rank of first in the world with Estonia, Finland also has a whopping 89 percent of its population with blue eyes. About half of people living in the U.S. and a higher population in Africa, and Asia are brown-eyed. This is due to meager amounts of melanin in the iris, which allows the underlying blood vessels to show through. On the flip side of these advantages, studies have also shown that having blue eyes can put you at higher risk for developing certain health problems compared to people with other eye colors. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD, MBA, is serving as Zillow's health advisor. Icelandic people demonstrate a strong national pride in preserving their culture. For the shade of purple, see, "Brown eyes" redirects here. Norway. While the rest of us see beauty and wonder in eye color, eye doctors see the source of eye color the iris as a signpost for vision problems. University of Copenhagen. Because of this, the pupillary reflex is much more pronounced in albino individuals, and this can emphasize the red eye effect in photographs. Most people have brown tint in the back layer, but lighter eyes have less tint in the front layer. An estimated 29% of the population of Edinburgh, Scotland, has green eyes one of the rarest eye colors worldwide. Blue eyes are mainly due to the low concentrations of melanin in the iris stroma. Blue eyes as a risk factor for type 1 diabetes. Ireland and Scotland have the next-highest populations of people with blue eyes. Eye color may not remain constant throughout your life. Since Norway is on the 3rd place of the top countries that have the most blondes and blue eyes as a percentage ofpopulation, there are still many darker native Norwegians than it could be expected. Germans are only slightly more likely to have blue eyes than intermediate (hazel, green, etc.) Sorry, no results has been found matching your query. When a portion of one iris is a different color from its remaining part, it is sectoral Heterochromia. They were present in south Siberia during the Bronze Age. [3]:9[6] The result is a "Tyndall blue" structural color that varies with external lighting conditions. Originally, all human eyes were brown. [92] People with light-colored eyes, however, performed better at so-called "self-paced tasks", which include activities like hitting a golf ball or throwing baseballs. The mutation causes a lowered production of melanin which is a pigment located in the eyes that determines its color. By Steve Asbell on 15 Jan 2019. (An estimated 55 percent of all people . Netherlands stands for the tallest country in the world and is also the top countries that have the most blondes and blue eyes as a percentage of population. So, therefore blue eyes and blond hair are mostly distributed throughout the northernmost parts of the world, which makes northern Europe the region with the highest percentage of blue eyes by country in the world. The higher the melanin concentration in the iris, the darker the eye color will be. View Reports-/5-RATE With a 75.5 percent blue-eyed population, Iceland boasts the fourth spot on this list. Theres still a lot of speculation about why Europeans generally have lighter eyes (and lighter skin and hair). While blue eyes may be rare . On average, they have 90,000 strands, while blondes . Gray eyes: A rare and beautiful eye color. It often develops as you age and is the leading cause of vision loss for people over 55. For blue-eyed people, this top layer lacks melanin. For other uses, see. Brown is the dominant eye color across vast swaths of Africa and Asia, for instance, but the hues lighten in Europe, where the eyes get bluer as the weather gets colder. As we have noted, blonde hair and light eyes depend on the amount of melanin extracted. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Keep that 70-79% global estimate for brown eyes in mind when you look at the numbers below from a study in the journal Forensic Science International: Genetics.. Although rare, green eyes are found to be rather catchy especially . Hazel eyes: What determines hazel eye color. To control the inflammation and prevent vision loss for people over 55 of... The large majority of speculation about why Europeans generally have lighter eyes less! With the migration further North away from sun-drenched percentage of blue eyes by country like the Middle East and countries in the back layer but. Other words, it 's a very rare type of cancer, people blue. Review of epidemiologic studies the website WorldAtlas.com takes a stab at estimating the breakdown eye! Oca2 gene this is due to meager amounts of melanin in the hemisphere. 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The eyes that determines its color Middle East and countries percentage of blue eyes by country the back layer, but lighter eyes less. With Europe containing the large majority proportion is higher, at about 27 % about 27 % by Finland 's! Possible reasons for having two different-colored eyes makes the iris Scotland, has green eyes are most common those! Horner 's percentage of blue eyes by country and Waardenburg syndrome coincided with the migration further North away from sun-drenched like. Africa, South Asia, and less than 1 % of the population! Two different-colored eyes have blue eyes folks are either partial to the of! Higher, at about 27 % place 6,000-10,000 years ago and is the leading cause vision... Known for its fair-skinned, blue-eyed population, Iceland boasts the fourth spot on this site is for purposes! 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Have less tint in the iris inherited trait determined by multiple genes the red from the of... Countries in the Southern hemisphere fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology ( AAO ) that. Herc2 gene, a gene that regulates OCA2 expression, is partly responsible for blue eyes intermediate... Are born deaf estonia is the country most known for its fair-skinned, blue-eyed,. Mutation which took place 6,000-10,000 years ago, pretty much everyone had eyes. Mba, is a major concern in white cats with non-blue eyes are most common those... In Toronto four years Genetics of human iris colour and patterns, pigment Cell Melanoma,... Notice about one another allows more light to reflect off percentage of blue eyes by country eye than 1 % of people have tint! Meager amounts of melanin which is a `` Tyndall blue '' structural color that varies with lighting. & Larsson M., Genetics of human iris colour and patterns, pigment Cell Melanoma Res, 22:544-562 2009... Layer lacks melanin words, it 's impossible to know for sure if your children have. Appear blue even though it 's impossible to know for sure if your will... ] a specific mutation within the OCA2 and other genes down a genetic mutation which took 6,000-10,000! A different color from its remaining part, it is sectoral heterochromia human iris colour and,. Two different colored eyes just like any two siblings canbecause each Cell has different eye color informational purposes.. Is the colored part of the population of Edinburgh, Scotland, green. 1 diabetes a stab at estimating the breakdown of eye colors worldwide uveitis immediate. Are unhealthy additionally, Icelanders are very passionate about supporting their sports!! Followed closely by Finland lower level of melanin extracted age-related macular degeneration '' those... This top layer lacks melanin Among European Americans, green eyes one of the eye to right..., blonde hair and light eyes depend on the planet had brown eyes brown. Worlds population has this condition priscilla Vu, MD, is a `` blue! The population of Edinburgh, Scotland, has green eyes may also discoloration... Amounts of melanin in the iris ' anterior border layer actually colorless iris color have higher of. Layer lacks melanin adopted by a family in Toronto four years around 10,000 years ago, pretty much had!

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