How Rare Are Green Eyes, Exactly?
All eye colors are beautiful in their own regard. You could get lost swimming in the seas of blue eyes or completely captivated by the speckles of different colors in hazel eyes. But, those with sparkly, emerald green eyes have the rarest eye color of them all. According to the World Atlas, only about two percent of the world's population have true green eyes.
Some parts of the world, like Ireland and Scotland, have higher populations of folks with green eyes. Across the world, however, green eyes are the rarest eye color. Think about it. How many people have you met with pure green eyes?
We're answering all of your burning questions about green eyes. If you're wondering, "What causes green eyes?" and if green eyes *truly* are the rarest eye color, keep reading.
What Causes Green Eyes?
Green eyes are a genetic mutation that results in low levels of melanin—the pigment that gives color to your eyes. Although they have low levels of melanin, they still produce more melanin than blue eyes. The less melanin there is in the eye's iris, the more light scatters out, which is what causes green eyes. Individual eye color is also determined by genetics.
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Are Green Eyes the Rarest Color?
Globally, green eyes are the rarest eye color—showing up in a small two percent of the world's population. Depending on where exactly you live geographically, green eyes may be more or less common. For example, in America, green eyes show up in roughly nine percent of the population.
Brown eyes are the most common conventional eye color. Blue comes next, with roughly eight to 10 percent of the world's population having them. Hazel eyes come in just before green eyes at about five percent.
Trivia and Superstitions About Green Eyes
Green eyes have long been associated with folktales of witches, nymphs, mermaids, vampires and other magical beings. Your favorite fantasy characters likely have green eyes.
A myth that originated in Ancient Greece believes that those with green eyes were able to thrive through the fog of life to discover hidden truths and come up with new, exciting innovations. Another legend states that if a married couple has one partner with green eyes, it brings harmony to the marriage while two partners with green eyes manifest a lifelong bond.
It has long been believed that individuals with green eyes are especially fortunate when it comes to their health and wellness. Many believe that folks with green eyes are incredibly creative, full of ambition and attract success. Overall, folks with green eyes are seen as lucky.
Can Green Eyes Have a Gold Ring?
Hazel-colored eyes often feature a gold ring or flecks of gold and brown. Green eyes tend to have a mostly solid color. However, some individuals with green eyes have a gold ring, which is known as central heterochromia.
Central heterochromia is when an individual has a different color near the border of their pupil than their eye color. According to Healthline, a person with this condition may have a shade of gold around the border of their pupil in the center of their iris.
This is a fairly rare condition, which is typically benign and harmless. In most cases, it does not affect vision or cause any health complications. If you have noticed this later in your life, however, seek medical attention immediately.
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