Blue and green eyes are two of the rarest eye colors in the world. Both colors are caused by a lack of pigmentation in the iris, which allows light to scatter and reflect off the back of the eye, making them appear blue or green. In this article, we will explore the genetics behind these unique eye colors, their prevalence around the world, and some interesting facts about them.
The Genetics of Blue and Green Eyes
The color of our eyes is determined by our genes. The gene responsible for eye color is called OCA2. The more melanin (pigment) your eyes have, the darker they will appear. Blue and green eyes have very little melanin, which is why they appear lighter in color. However, the exact genetic mechanisms behind blue and green eyes are not yet fully understood.
Prevalence of Blue and Green Eyes
Blue eyes are most commonly found in people of European descent, particularly those from Northern European countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Around 17% of the world's population has blue eyes. Green eyes are rarer, with only 2% of the world's population having them. Green eyes are most common in people of Celtic and Germanic ancestry.
Interesting Facts About Blue and Green Eyes
* Blue eyes are not actually blue, but rather appear blue due to the way light is scattered and reflected off the back of the eye.
* Green eyes are the result of a combination of blue and yellow pigments in the iris.
* The rarest eye color in the world is red, which is caused by a rare genetic mutation.
* Elizabeth Taylor's eyes were famously violet, which was actually a result of a genetic mutation that caused a lack of pigmentation in her irises.
* Babies are born with blue eyes more often than any other color, but their eye color can change as they grow older and their melanin levels increase.
Celebrities with Blue and Green Eyes
Blue and green eyes are often considered desirable, and many celebrities have them. Some famous people with blue eyes include Paul Newman, Taylor Swift, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Some famous people with green eyes include Rihanna, Eddie Redmayne, and Emma Stone.
Caring for Blue and Green Eyes
Just like any other eye color, blue and green eyes need to be cared for properly. This includes wearing sunglasses to protect them from harmful UV rays, getting regular eye exams, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can damage your eyesight.
Conclusion
Blue and green eyes are unique and beautiful, and their rarity makes them even more special. Whether you have blue or green eyes, it's important to take care of them and appreciate their beauty.