What is the Most Attractive Eye Color? - Blue Planet Optics
Eye color has long fascinated humans, with many wondering about the prettiest eye color or which hues are considered the most beautiful. While beauty is subjective, research has explored perceptions of eye color attractiveness, shedding light on what might be the best eye color.
Let's look at what studies have found about eye color and attraction. You might be surprised to learn which shades catch people's eyes the most, both overall and when it comes to men and women specifically.
What Determines Eye Color?
Before exploring attractiveness, it's helpful to understand what determines eye color in the first place.
Genetics
You may have been taught that eye color is mostly hereditary. Scientists used to believe that children inherited only one eye color gene from their parents. So, if your parents had brown eyes, you would too.
Today, research shows that as many as 16 genes are involved. That’s why parents with blue eyes can have a child with dark brown eyes. No two people will share the same eye color, shape, or appearance, even in the same family.
Melanin
This pigment gives color to our eyes, skin, and hair. More melanin results in darker eyes while less produces lighter shades.
The interplay between genetics and melanin levels creates a wide spectrum of eye colors, from deep brown to pale blue.
Hazel Is Considered the Most Attractive Eye Color in Females
Research suggests that hazel eyes are often perceived as the most attractive in females. This unique blend of brown and green is considered captivating due to its rarity and ability to change shades under different lighting.
A study conducted on popular dating apps found:
|
Eye Color |
Percentage of Matches (Female) |
|
Hazel |
20.19% |
|
Purple |
19.88% |
|
Black |
17.70% |
|
Blue |
17.39% |
|
Brown |
13.35% |
|
Green |
11.49% |
Hazel eyes, with their mysterious blend of green, gold, and brown hues, topped the list for female attractiveness.
Blue Is Considered the Most Attractive Eye Color in Males
Blue eyes top the list for men, emerging as the clear winner in terms of attractiveness, and often associated with youthfulness and charm. The rarity of blue eyes adds to their allure, making them a popular choice in attraction surveys.
|
Eye Color |
Percentage of Matches (Male) |
|
Blue |
27.17% |
|
Brown |
21.97% |
|
Green |
16.76% |
|
Hazel |
15.03% |
|
Black |
10.98% |
|
Purple |
8.09% |
Blue eyes significantly outperformed other colors, garnering over 27% of matches in the study.
What Is the Most Attractive Eye Color Overall?
When combining results across genders and considering a large survey of 66,000 people, green eyes often come out on top as the most universally attractive eye color.
- Green: 20.3%
- Light blue: 16.9%
- Hazel: 16.0%
- Dark blue: 15.2%
- Gray: 10.9%
- Honey: 7.9%
- Amethyst: 6.9%
- Brown: 5.9%
Interestingly, green is also one of the rarest eye colors, occurring in only about 2% of the global population. This rarity may contribute to its perceived attractiveness.
While surveys often highlight green and blue eyes as stunning, preferences can vary based on cultural and individual differences, such as eye shape, size, and expressiveness. These factors all contribute to what makes eyes attractive.
Different countries can perceive different eye colors to be beautiful. For instance, South Americans appear to prefer brown eyes, whereas people from Kazakhstan prefer green eyes.
What Is the Healthiest Eye Color?
While darker eyes are often considered more attractive, lighter eyes may have some health advantages. It's important to note, however, that all eye colors require proper protection from UV rays to maintain optimal eye health and vision.
Brown eyes
Darker eyes may offer slightly better protection against UV rays and cataracts because of higher melanin levels.
Blue eyes
Blue eyes may be more sensitive to light but have better night vision.
Green eyes
Green eyes balance between UV protection and night vision capabilities.
Can You Change Your Eye Color?
For those curious about experimenting with different eye colors, there are a few options. Always consult with an eye care professional before considering any eye color alteration methods, though!
Colored Contact Lenses
The safest and most versatile method for temporarily changing eye color is a colored contact lens.
Laser Eye Color Change
A permanent but controversial and risky procedure.
Iris Implant Surgery
Another relatively new and permanent option with significant risks.
Beauty Lies in the Eye of the Beholder
At the end of the day, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Every eye color has its unique charm and allure. Whether you have deep brown eyes, piercing blue irises, or rare green peepers, your eyes are uniquely beautiful.
If you're curious about experimenting with different eye colors safely, consider exploring colored contact lenses. Visit the Blue Planet Optics online store for a wide selection of high-quality colored lenses!
For more insights into eye health and beauty, visit the Blue Planet Optics blog. Discover articles on eye care, vision tips, and more!