Photo: Egor Kamelev

Are green eyes Irish or Scottish?

The highest concentration of people with green eyes is found in Ireland, Scotland, and northern Europe. In fact, in Ireland and Scotland, more than three-fourths of the population has blue or green eyes – 86 percent! Many factors go into having green eyes.

lasikomaha.com - 10 Facts About Green Eyes - Kugler Vision

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Published by Lance Kugler, MD on March 16, 2021

“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” was written as a lighthearted musical tribute to Ireland, and its composers could not have had any idea it would still be popular in 2021. Unsurprisingly, as vision experts, this time of year has us humming this tune. Don’t forget to wear green in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17, and in the meantime, brush up on your facts about green eyes today just for fun.

Green eyes are very rare.

Green eyes are the most rare eye color in the world. Only about 2 percent of people in the world have naturally green eyes. Green eyes are a genetic mutation that results in low levels of melanin, though more melanin than in blue eyes.

Green eyes don’t actually have any color.

That’s right – strange but true! While green eyes appear that lovely shade of emerald to the outside observer, the irises themselves have no actual pigment. Similar to blue eyes, the color we perceive is a result of the lack of melanin in the iris. The less melanin in the iris, the more light scatters out, which makes the eyes look green. Ever heard from someone that their eyes change color? Turns out, it’s somewhat true. Changes in light make lighter eyes look like they are changing colors, sort of like a chameleon.

Where in the world are the most green eyes?

Many factors go into having green eyes.

Sixteen separate genes have been identified as contributing to eye color. So, no matter what eye color your parents have, yours could end up being just about any color. Green eyes naturally occur in all races of people.

Liqian, China is a hot spot for green eyes.

There is a village in China called Liqian, in which two-thirds of all inhabitants today have green eyes and blonde hair. Green eyes and blonde hair are a rare combination. The high concentration of green-eyed, blond-haired people in Liqian is thought to be linked to their ancestry. The people of Liqian are thought to have possibly descended from Roman General Marcus Crassus’ mysteriously missing army.

Babies don’t get green eyes immediately.

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Every baby is born with either brown or blue eyes. It can take between six months and three years for children to develop green eyes.

Can green eye color affect personality?

This particular topic may all be in the eye of the beholder (punny, huh?). There is no scientific data to prove that eye color is a factor in determining personality, and we will go on record as saying eye color does not affect personality. However, just for fun – here are some personality traits that have historically been associated with green eyes in fables and folklore: intelligence, passion, mysteriousness, creativity, jealousy, and great leadership skills.

Grab your shades.

Because green eyes have less melanin than brown eyes, people with green eyes are more likely to be extra sensitive to UV rays. The more melanin, the better protection from the sun – eye pigment literally protects the retina. Like blue-eyed people, those with green eyes are more sensitive to sudden increases in light.

Green eyes are popular in pop culture.

Green eyes may be the most rare of all natural eye colors, but you’ll see green peepers all over the silver screen. Green eyes are also incredibly popular in books. Some well-known green-eyed characters in books and movies include: • Harry Potter – from the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling