Blue eyes are one of the most attractive eye colors. They are also one of the rarest colors. Only about 8-10% of the world’s population has blue eyes.
Most blue eyes are distributed in Northern Europe, where 60%-70% of the population has blue eyes. The proportion of people with blue eyes in the United States is approximately 27%.
1. Causes of blue eyes
First, the human iris has only one kind of pigment: melanin. The amount of melanin determines the color of the iris. More melanin will make the iris appear dark brown or black. Less melanin will make it seem light.
Blue eyes appear blue not because they contain blue pigment but because there is too little melanin. Light enters a blue eye. Due to the scarcity of melanin in the iris, it is not absorbed in large quantities. Instead, it penetrates the iris and scatters in its tiny structures.
This process is called Rayleigh scattering. It is the same principle that makes the sky blue. Short-wavelength blue light is more easily scattered than other colors. From the outside, the eyes appear an attractive blue.
This structural color depends on the interaction of light and matter rather than true pigmentation.
OCA2 and HERC2 are the key genes that determine whether you have blue eyes.
Key mutations on the HERC2 gene, such as rs12913832, inhibit the expression of the OCA2 gene like a lock. This reduces the production of iris melanin by 75%. As a result, the iris, which should be brown, shows structural blue due to a lack of pigment.
This single mutation originated in the Black Sea region 6,000 years ago.
Through recessive inheritance, 8% of the world’s population has inherited this “genetic lottery”. Their pupils are constantly rippling with blue ripples like the ancient ocean under the effect of light scattering.
2. Different blue eyes
Light Blue:
This is the lightest blue, typically a pure, bright sky blue.
The melanin content in the iris is extremely low. It may even be close to zero. This makes the effect of Rayleigh scattering very significant.
Medium Blue:
Slightly darker than light blue, but still a very distinct blue.
There may be trace amounts of other pigments. Alternatively, the structure of the iris stroma might be slightly different.
These factors make the scattered blue somewhat more intense.
Dark Blue:
A deep, rich blue, similar to the color of the ocean depths or sapphires. The iris of these eyes may contain slightly more melanin than light blue eyes.
The structure of the collagen fibres may cause the light to be scattered more concentratedly. These factors result in a more saturated blue.
Gray Blue:
This eye color is between blue and gray. It sometimes looks more blue and sometimes more gray.
It will appear different depending on the light and mood. This is typically because the collagen fibres in the iris stroma are denser.
This causes the blue light scattered by Rayleigh to be partially “blurred.” It also mixes with the grey of the background.
3. Blue eyes cultural significance
Blue eyes carry a wealth of symbolic meanings in different cultures.
In Western literature and art, blue eyes are often endowed with mysterious and profound qualities. For example, the ancient Greeks believed that blue eyes could ward off the “evil eye”.
Norse mythology depicted Odin’s single eye as ice blue. It symbolised wisdom and supernatural power.
In modern popular culture, blue eyes are often portrayed as a symbol of idealised beauty, particularly during Hollywood’s golden age.
Still, they also imply a sense of “exoticism.” Some traditions in the Middle East believe that blue eyes may bring bad luck. People wear “Nazar amulets” to resolve this.
4. Celebrities with blue eyes
Paul Newman: His iconic deep blue eyes are almost synonymous with him. They are known as one of the “most famous blue eyes in history.”
Elizabeth Taylor: Her eyes are sometimes described as violet. However, they are an intense blue. This presents a unique charm in a different light.
Taylor Swift: This pop music queen is famous for her songwriting ability. Her clear light blue eyes have also become one of her trademarks.
Brad Pitt: His deep blue eyes add a soft temperament to his tough guy image.
There are film, television, and music stars with blue eyes. Some of them are Frank Sinatra, Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie, Chris Hemsworth, and Alexandra Daddario.
5. What color contact lenses are suitable for blue eyes
Green: Creates a charming, natural blend. Since blue and green are close on the color wheel, they blend well to create a unique teal or true green.
Gray: Gives blue eyes a cool, sophisticated, and mysterious appeal. It can make blue eyes look brighter and more intense while adding a cool, stylish edge.
Brown: Brings a warm, soft transformation to blue eyes, creating a completely different feel.
Violet/Purple: Can create a beautiful contrast with blue eyes, creating a unique and mysterious appeal.
Final Words
Blue eyes carry unique cultural and aesthetic significance, and from mysterious legends to modern fashion, they invariably exude charm.
If you have always dreamed of having a pair of charming blue eyes, now this dream can be easily realised.
Why not try Wooeye blue contact lenses, which can help you achieve a natural and lovely blue eye look. Whether it's for daily wear or special occasions, high-quality blue contact lenses can instantly make you stand out. They also showcase the unique charm of blue eyes.
Of course, whether natural blue eyes or changing eye color through contact lenses, the most important thing is to find the style that suits you best and let your eyes become your confident highlight✨.
