Did you know that only around 2% of the world’s population has green eyes? For this reason and more, they’re widely considered one of the most captivating and rare eye colours. So, whether your eyes are a true emerald, have hazel tones, or you’re simply green with envy at the thought of it, there’s no denying their magnetic appeal. Often associated with spirituality, wisdom and even mystery, green eyes naturally stand out. And the right pair of glasses? They can make them shine even brighter.
Is green really that rare of an eye colour?
Yes, green eyes are one of the rarest eye colours in the world. They’re most common among people of Northern and Central European descent, especially in Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Iceland. Interestingly, according to the World Population Review, just over 25% of the United Kingdom’s population have this eye colour.
There’s actually a secluded village in Western China called Liqian which has a high number of green-eyed residents, many with fair hair. Some historians believe they may be descendants of a lost Roman legion, adding even more intrigue to an already fascinating eye colour.
What causes green eyes?
Green eyes get their unique appearance from the balance of low to moderate melanin in the iris and the way light reflects through it. While they may seem like a dazzling emerald colour to the observer, they don’t contain green pigment. Instead, they result from genetic mutations in the OCA2 gene and various other genes, which help regulate the amount of melanin in the iris. Less melanin in the iris leads to the Rayleigh scattering of light — the same phenomenon that makes the sky look blue. The scattering, combined with a touch of yellowish lipochrome pigment, creates the illusion of green.
Like blue eyes and other lighter eyes, people with a green eye colour often have less pigment overall, which makes their eyes more sensitive to bright lighting conditions. That’s why their eyes may appear to change colour slightly depending on the environment.
Eye colour and genetics
Eye colour is inherited from your parents, with each gene having two variations (alleles). Brown eyes are dominant, while blue eyes are recessive. However, green eyes are rarer and sit somewhere in between on the spectrum of eye pigmentation.
If you have green eyes, you likely inherited a unique combination. This is because they’re dominant over blue, but not quite enough to override brown. Babies aren’t born with this eye colour; they usually develop between 6 months and 3 years.
In rarer cases, genetic conditions like heterochromia (when each eye is a different colour), or albinism can affect pigmentation and create striking variations.
Different shades of green
- Bluey green – a lighter, cooler shade with subtle blue tones
- Greyish green – a softer shade with a silvery tint
- Dark green – a deeper, more intense colour
- Green with light brown tones – hints of green pigment blended with brown
- Hazel-green eyes – a mix of green with golden or brown flecks
Green vs. hazel eyes
Unlike hazel eyes, which mix multiple colours, green eyes are usually more consistent in tone.
Health risks and eye care
Because they contain less pigment, green eyes offer less natural protection against the sun. This increases sensitivity to glare and puts green-eyed people at greater risk of conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring eye health and protecting the retina.
Wearing a pair of sunglasses throughout the year — not just in summer — helps reduce light sensitivity and protects against long-term damage. If you wear contact lenses, UV-protective options can add another layer of defence.
What colour glasses will complement my eye colour?
The right glasses don’t just frame your face — they highlight your rare and beautiful eyes.
- Earthy shades like green, tortoiseshell, dark brown and beige help enhance your natural eye colour
- Metallic hues like bronze, copper and bright gold add a radiant glow, especially to green eyes
- For a striking effect, create natural contrast with rich colours like red, pink, purple, or orange
Final thoughts
Green eyes are truly special — a rare result of low melanin and unique light scattering that give them their enchanting hues. Though genetically recessive to brown, the green eye colour carries its own fascinating inheritance story. Because they offer less natural protection against UV light, those with green eyes should take care when out in bright sunlight. When it comes to selecting eyewear, warm earthy tones or bold contrasting colours can beautifully enhance their natural sparkle.
