Blue, Green, or Brown? Eye Color Distribution by Percentage

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), all humans originally had brown eyes. Over time, a genetic mutation in a common ancestor led to a reduction in melanin production, giving rise to lighter eye colors such as blue and green.

Today, the distribution of eye colors worldwide looks very different.

Global Eye Color Statistics

Recent studies estimate that:

  • Approximately 75% of the world’s population has brown eyes.
  • About 9% have blue eyes.
  • The remaining 16% have various shades of green, hazel, gray, and amber.

However, eye color varies significantly across different populations and geographic regions.

Eye Color Variations by Region

  • Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland) have some of the highest concentrations of blue-eyed individuals, with estimates reaching around 50% of the population.
  • Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have a higher percentage of brown eyes due to greater melanin concentration.
  • Green eyes are the rarest, found in only 2-3% of the world’s population, with higher occurrences in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Central Europe.

Why Does Eye Color Matter?

Beyond aesthetics, melanin levels in the iris influence light sensitivity and vision clarity:

  • Brown eyes provide better natural UV protection due to their higher melanin content.
  • Blue and green eyes have less melanin, making them more sensitive to bright light and more prone to glare.

Regardless of eye color, wearing sunglasses with UV protection is essential for maintaining long-term eye health.

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