Research: Human Eye Colors

I asked Copilot some questions about human eye colors as I considered character descriptions.

Question: What is the distribution of natural human eye colors? For example, % green.

The distribution of natural human eye colors varies globally. Here’s a general breakdown:

Brown eyes: 70%-80%

Blue eyes: 8%-10%

Hazel eyes: 5%

Amber eyes: 5%

Gray eyes: 3%

Green eyes: 2%

Other colors: 1%

Green eyes are relatively rare, making up about 2% of the global population.

You described 1% of eye color as other; what are those rare human eye colors?

The “other” category for eye colors includes some very rare and unique hues. Here are a few examples:

Red Eyes: True red eyes are extremely rare and usually occur in individuals with albinism, where the lack of melanin causes the blood vessels in the eyes to be visible.

Violet Eyes: Violet eyes result from a combination of low levels of eumelanin (which gives blue eyes) and high levels of pheomelanin (which gives red hues).

Black Eyes: True black eyes are extremely rare and usually result from a condition called aniridia, where the iris is completely absent, leaving only the dark pupil visible.

Purple Eyes: Purple eyes can occur due to the presence of blood or blood vessels in the irises of a person with brown eyes. These rare eye colors are fascinating and can add an intriguing element to your characters if you decide to use them!

Question: What do hazel eyes look like?

Hazel eyes are quite unique and captivating due to their multicolored appearance. They typically contain a mix of brown, green, and gold hues. Here are some key characteristics:

Color Variations: Hazel eyes often have a combination of colors, with a brown or amber ring around the pupil and green or gold flecks around the outer part of the iris.

Sunburst Effect: The color gradient can create a “sunburst” effect, where the colors radiate outwards from the pupil.

Changing Appearance: Depending on the lighting and surroundings, hazel eyes can appear to change color, sometimes looking more green, brown, or even golden.

Question: What do grey eyes look like?

Gray eyes are quite rare and have a unique, captivating appearance. Here are some key characteristics:

Color Variations: Gray eyes can range from light to dark gray and may sometimes appear to have hints of blue, green, or even hazel.

Changing Appearance: The color of gray eyes can seem to change depending on lighting, clothing, and surroundings. They might look more blue or green in certain lights.

Subtle Patterns: Gray eyes often have subtle patterns or flecks within the iris, adding to their depth and complexity.

Gray eyes are often described as mysterious and striking due to their rarity and the way they can shift in appearance.