Eye colors can range from light blue to dark brown and many shades in between. While brown is the most common eye color, there are 6 rare and unique eye colors around the world.
- Amber: a rare gold-ish hue that usually ranges from light yellow-ish gold to darker, almost whiskey-colored tones.
- Violet: a deep, purple hue that can appear almost black depending on the lighting.
- Red: also known as heterochromia and rarely seen in humans.
- Gray: an uncommon color with various shades of grey including silver, steel, or pearl grey.
- Hazel: a combination of green with brown, amber or other colors.
- Pink: strong a rare eye color that is due to a lack of pigment in the eyes.
Eye colors are determined by genetics and are unique for everyone. Even within families where parents may have different colored eyes, anyone could inherit any type of eye color.
Introduction
Throughout history, people around the world have been fascinated by those who have eyes of unusual colors. From actors in Hollywood to royalty all over the world, oddly-colored eyes are associated with rarity and beauty. But what are these rare and unique eye colors, and where do they come from?
In this guide, we’ll review six of the rarest eye colors that you won’t see very often:
- Amber
- Violet
- Red
- Gray
- Hazel
- Pink
We’ll discuss what each color looks like and which populations with each color have been documented throughout history. Finally, we’ll take a look at whether or not you can permanently change your eye color to one of the six mentioned here. So if you want to learn more about these mesmerizingly beautiful shades of eyes – let’s get started!
Heterochromia
Heterochromia is an ocular condition that causes the eyes to be two different colors. It can affect both the iris and/or the retinal pigment epithelium and can be either bilateral (affecting both eyes) or unilateral (only one eye).
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- Complete Heterochromia: occurs when each eye has a distinctly different color.
- Partial Heterochromia: where two separate colors mix within an individual eye.
- Central Heterochromia: involves different colors in the iris’ center than on its outer edge.
Heterochromia is typically caused by genetic mutations, but can also occur due to certain inflammation diseases or conditions such as Horner’s Syndrome.
Anisocoria
Anisocoria is a condition characterized by an unequal size of the eyes’ pupils. It occurs when one pupil is larger or smaller than the other and affects up to 20% of the population. Although it can range from a harmless, normal physiological condition to life-threatening, many cases do not require treatment.
It can also give the appearance of one completely black eye in some people.
Signs and Symptoms
- Unequal pupil sizes
- Changes in pupil size in response to light
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Abnormal eye movements
Amber Eye Color
Amber eye colors are one of the rarest eye colors in the world and are often found in people of North African, South Asian, and Middle Eastern descent. They appear to almost glow in the right light and have a golden-yellow or copper hue. Amber eyes can range from medium to deep in their color and are often found in combination with other colors, such as blue or green.
Characteristics
Amber eye color is a rare eye color that can range from amber to dark brown, depending on the way light reflects off the iris. While not a true gold color, it shares some of the same characteristics. Amber eyes are often associated with exotic beauty and can be found in several parts of Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
Amber eyes have a certain depth to them – as if one could look deep into them and never reach the end. This is because they reflect more light than most other colors and their light-absorbing capabilities are extraordinary.
Amber eyes appear almost two-toned due to the flecks of green or hazel mixed in with the gold or yellow pigments. Because this eye color picked up an array of pigments from its ancestors (the brown gene), amber eyes can also present variations in shades that go from orange/brown hues to bright yellowish shades.
In addition to unique light-absorption properties, amber eyes may also exhibit some degree of heterochromia – different colors within each eye due to variations in pigment distribution from one part of the iris relative to another. This occurs when one or both sides of an individual’s irises contain particles that cause the majority of base tone color to shift slightly in saturation or even hue, appearing almost like dual tones within one single iris!
Causes
Amber eye color is a rare occurrence in humans and mainly occurs due to genetic mutation or inheritance in some families. It has been proven by science that the human eye can produce several different pigments which have the ability to reflect varying amounts of light. The combination of these pigments is what gives every person their unique eye color.
In the case of amber eye color, pheomelanin pigment is responsible for producing this rare hue. It produces a reddish-yellow shade of the iris and causes varying levels of light reflection between individuals. As this particular color is quite uncommon, it may be inherited from family members who have passed it down over generations.
Additionally, research has also indicated that DNA mutations occurring in the melanin-related genes are other possible causes of amber eyes. Such mutations affect how much pheomelanin pigment is present in the eyes’ iris and result in varying shades of amber hues as well as combinations thereof with other colors such as blue or green. Thus, unique combinations are observed in cases with amber eyes that no two people share exactly alike.
Treatment
The treatment for amber eye color mainly revolves around protecting the eyes from damage by avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. As with any other eye color, proper precautions should be taken to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays that can result in damaging long-term effects such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
For many people, specially tinted sunglasses are the best way to ensure protection by blocking out UV light that could harm the eyes. Additionally, lutein supplements may also prove beneficial in reducing oxidative damage caused by strong sunlight and protecting against macular degeneration; however, it is important to note that these do not provide any definitive cure for macular degeneration itself.
Lastly, living a healthy lifestyle can also help slow down signs of aging and preserve good vision health. Eating a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals along with getting regular exercise can help keep your eyes in optimal shape and reduce visual stressors such as dry-eye or eyestrain.
Violet Eye Color
Violet eyes are one of the rarest eye colors and are estimated to only appear in approximately 1 in 10,000 people. They appear violet because of a combination of blue and red color pigments in the eye. Violet eyes are often confused for blue eyes, but the color is much deeper and more intense.
People with violet eyes have often been called attractive, mysterious, and even magical due to their rare color.
Characteristics
The rare and unique colors of eyes, including violet, can be caused by a number of different factors. Generally speaking, the color you have is determined by the amount of melanin (or pigment) in your iris. Genes that determine eye color are typically polygenic meaning there is not one single gene that is responsible for determining eye color, rather there are several genes which interact together to create different shades.
The primary characteristic of a person with violet eyes is their deep, dark purple tone. People with violet eyes are uncommon and their eye color can appear to almost be black in some lightings or distinguished shades of blue in other situations. In addition to this deep purple hue, some individuals with this eye color may also exhibit an amber inner rim around their pupil which provides an additional layer of complexity to the eye’s appearance.
It is important to note that while eyedrops can help temporarily enhance an individual’s natural eye color they do not change your underlying genetics and therefore cannot permanently change your type of eye pigmentation- so if you have been blessed with violet eyes then you likely will always hold onto an element of uniqueness!
Causes
Violet eyes are a rare type of eye color that is mainly caused by an excess amount of epicanthic fold which forces extra pigment on the iris creating a gorgeous shade and tint. While it is a rare genetic mutation, this phenomenon is an example of heterochromia, where the eyes have different colors because of the lack or abundance of melanin.
Switching from dark to light occurs when overproduction and underproduction all happen in the same eye. In other words, one may be genetically predisposed to any color combination, depending on the variant genes present. This can cause even more variation in eye color – a single eye with both green and blue hues or two eyes with different shades and tints as well, making light eyes rarer than ever before!
Since lack of pigment creates pale violet or pinkish hues in some individuals, researchers have related light eye color with albinism. Apart from genetics, other causes like medications, aging or physical trauma can also induce changes to one’s original eye color.
Treatment
Although individuals with violet eyes are not typically at risk of medical concerns related to their eye color, they are strongly encouraged to protect their eyes from any type of damage. The best protection involves a combination of regular care, prevention, and correction measures.
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- Regular Care: Depending on the type of contact lenses you wear, your eye doctor may recommend that you keep them on a rigid cleaning and wearing schedule. For example, daily disposable contacts must be thrown away after one use or right before bedtime if you wear them during the day. Soft contacts will need to be replaced more often, usually every one to three months depending on your individual needs.
- Prevention: As with any eye color, it is essential to prevent directly exposing eyes to hazardous environmental elements like dirt, dust and bright sunlight. Some extreme weather conditions can also cause further damage so if you do find yourself in those circumstances always make sure to wear safety glasses or protective eyewear provided by your doctor.
- Correction: Depending on your individual vision status, corrective measures such as eyeglasses or contact lenses may be necessary in order to properly address vision issues that can arise due to violet eyes. This is especially important for addressing certain conditions that could have an impact on distance-focusing abilities when driving for instance or participating in activities requiring precision tasking without blurring vision loss.
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Red Eye Color
Red eye color is extremely rare, with recent estimates showing that it affects only one in every 200,000 people worldwide. Red eyes occur when the colored part of the eye known as the iris lacks pigment and reflects light instead of absorbing it. It’s possible for a person to possess a red eye in either one or both eyes, with the other eye often appearing gray or green.
Let’s dive into all the details about red eye color!
Characteristics
Eye color is determined by the amount of melanin, or pigment, present in the iris of the eye. Some of the most common eye colors we see are brown, blue and hazel, while some people have very rare color eyes such as pink, gray and red. People with human leucocytes antigen (HLA) are more likely to produce abnormal amounts of melanin in their eyes and therefore have these unique colors.
Causes
A common misconception is that eye color is determined solely by genetics, however, that is not the case. There are a variety of factors, both genetic and environmental, which can influence the color of one’s eyes. Genetics plays the largest role in determining eye color as different genes control various shades of pigment. The variation among these genes determines the color of a person’s eyes.
For those with naturally red eyes, their red coloring is most likely due to an excess or lack of melanin in the iris. Melanin is the dark pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their unique colors and red eye color occurs when there is an insufficient amount for your natural hue to manifest. People who have inherited genes from both parents with red eyes are more likely to be born with this rare hue than those who have not inherited it from both parents. In some cases albinism or a condition called Heterochromia can also contribute to someone having red or pink colored eyes.
In rare cases, certain prescription medications can also affect the coloring of one’s iris causing it to appear more red or brown in certain lighting but this isn’t usually permanent either way. Therefore no matter what causes your unique eye color, just be assured that it’s yours alone!
Treatment
If you are born with one of these rare and unique eye colors, there is not much that can be done to change it. Many patients are interested in changing their eye color, however, it may not be possible or safe with the available technology today.
Red eye color is caused by a condition known as albinism which is genetic in nature and cannot be treated by medical means. Some eye care professionals may offer colored contact lenses to those who wish to temporarily alter the appearance of their eyes, but the underlying genetics of your eye color cannot be altered.
Gray Eye Color
Have you ever seen someone with gray eyes? Gray eyes are an incredibly unique and rare eye color that’s very distinctive. They range in shade from silvery to charcoal, depending on the individual and the amount of light exposure. Not only are gray eyes dramatically beautiful, but they are also said to have special characteristics and meanings.
Let’s discuss what makes gray eyes so special:
Characteristics
Gray eyes are some of the rarest eye colors found in humans. While nearly 55 percent of the world population has brown eyes, only 8 percent have gray eyes. This unique color can range from a light silver-gray to a dark steel gray. Gray eyes often appear charged and mystical since it’s often difficult to determine where their actual color ends and the white of the eye begins.
In addition to its distinct hue, gray eye color also contains yellow and blue undertones that cause it to shift depending on lighting and moods. These subtle changes can often make gray eyes appear like an entirely different shade altogether. Along with the shades mentioned earlier, there is also a steely variant described as “slategray” this richer tone combined with any amount of gold flecks goes extremely well with cooler skin tones.
Since gray eyes are an uncommon color, research has yet to be done on general characteristics that apply specifically to people who possess them – all research results so far, across demographics remain inconclusive. As such, any given trait – such as personality or life expectancy – cannot be officially linked with having this rare eye color without further study.
Causes
Eye color is determined by the amount and type of melanin in the front layers of the iris. Major causes for variations in eye color are genetic, environmental and physiological.
Treatment
Though eye color is determined by genetic traits passed down through generations, a great deal of medical information is available on how to properly care for eyes of different shades and hues.
Gray Eye Color
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- Individuals with gray eye color have very limited options when it comes to treatment. Most optometrists agree that the best way to maintain healthy eyes is to use lubricating drops periodically and avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the eyes, both of which can cause irritation or infection.
- Additionally, regular eye exams should be conducted every two years, in order to check for any potential future problems or changes in vision.
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Hazel Eye Color
Hazel eyes are quite unique and beautiful. They appear to be a combination of different shades of green and brown, and can also sometimes have gold or copper tones. Depending on the lighting and the person’s complexion, the colors in hazel eyes can appear to change shades.
In this article, we will explore the different rare and unique eye colors, starting with hazel.
Characteristics
Hazel eyes are multicolored eyes, made up of rays of green or brown, and flecks of other colors. Many people believe that the definition of hazel eyes is a combination of two colors, one green and one brown. However, you could say blue and green mix to either create light hazel or dark hazel eyes.
The color hazel can appear dark brown, golden yellow, light gold or even reddish-brown, depending on the person’s eyes and their individual color spectrum. People with hazel eyes usually have a lot of variation in their eye colour – sometimes even flecks in different shades of blue, gray, pink or purple. Additionally, as individuals age their eye color may also change from what it originally was when they were younger.
Hazel eyes often have an inconsistent color which makes identifying them difficult sometimes. It tends to be easier to determine if someone has these unique colored eyes from looking at them from a certain angle in natural light – for example when standing outside on a sunny day. This reflective angle can reveal the conflicting colors present in this unique eye color consisting of browns and greens.
Causes
The cause of eye color is primarily determined by genetics. Everyone has two copies of the OCA2 gene, one inherited from each parent. This gene is mainly responsible for producing melanin in your iris, which ultimately determines your eye color. The amount and type of melanin determine if your eyes will be blue, green, grey or brown.
Hazel eyes also may be the result of an independent mutation in a gene other than OCA2 or due to a combination of genes interacting with each other. Studies conducted on twins have shown that genetics take approximately 77% of the blame and are major factors when determining eye color, while environmental factors may only play a tiny role in a child’s probability to have hazel eyes. This variation from generally dominating eye colors (blue, green and brown) has been explained by being more common among people with ancestry from Europe and West Asia as opposed to other parts of the world such as East Asia or Sub-Saharan Africa where much less variation exists regarding eye colors amongst individuals.
Treatment
Although very rare and unique, the eye colors listed above (Amber, Violet, Red, Gray, Hazel, and Pink) do not require any medical treatment. The only issue can stem from the decreased vision caused by extreme light sensitivity due to the sheer number of melanin particles in and around the iris. Exposure to direct sunlight may lead to irritation in your eyes; therefore you should use sunglasses and eye protection as a precaution during outdoor activities that involve exposure to UV radiation.
It is important for individuals who have these eye colors to maintain proper eye health by eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as zinc, Vitamin A, and Omega-3 fatty acids which are known for their antioxidant properties and can reduce risks of age-related vision problems like macular degeneration. You should also take regular trips to your optometrist for regular visual exams; any symptoms of vision changes or discomfort should not be overlooked.
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- Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as zinc, Vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Use sunglasses and eye protection when exposed to UV radiation.
- Take regular trips to your optometrist for regular visual exams.
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Pink Eye Color
Pink eye color is one of the rarest and most unique eye colors in the world. While it’s still extremely rare, it’s becoming more and more common due to its recent popularity. The eyes of those with pink eye color will appear to be pink or reddish in color, though the actual color may range from light pink to deep red depending on the individual.
Let’s take a look at this unique eye color in more detail.
Characteristics
Pink eyes are a rare eye color caused by an extremely low level of melanin in the iris. Although individuals with pink eyes are not completely albinos, they generally have very fair skin and light colored hair because of their reduced capacity to produce pigment-containing cells.
In some cases, pink eye color has been associated with physical abnormalities or problems related to vision. In certain individuals, the color could indicate a genetic disorder such as Miller Syndrome or Cajal-Retzius Syndrome. For others, the lack of pigmentation may lead to conditions such as albinism or iris hypoplasia.
The most notable trait among those who have pink eyes is white pupils and clear (transparent) irises that appear as though one can make out distinctive parts of the eyeball through them. Additionally, those with pink eye color may experience sensitivity to bright light and glare due to their lack of protective pigment cells.
Causes
Pink eye (also known as abnormal pink/ red eye) is a rare disorder caused by a variety of factors. While it is most common in albinos due to the absence of melanin in the iris, other factors including genetic inheritance, extreme emotions and physical traumas can cause the eyes to turn pink. In some cases, the color may last for short periods of time; in others, it may be permanent.
It is important to discuss any changes in your eye color with an ophthalmologist to determine the underlying cause and best course of treatment.
Treatment
Pink eye color is a very rare type of eye color and is caused by albinism. Those who have pink eyes may be mistaken for having red eyes due to the reddish-pink hue that the iris can sometimes take on. Treatment for those with pink eye color will depend upon the underlying cause.
Since pink eye color is caused by a genetic mutation, there are no known treatments that can be used to permanently change the eye’s pigment. If you experience vision problems or glare due to your eye color, glasses or contact lenses may help alleviate some of these issues. Squint and blurred vision can also be improved with corrective lenses or surgery when appropriate.
If you experience any discomfort, redness, or irritation of your eyes, see your doctor for help. Ocular lubricants are available over-the-counter and may provide some temporary relief when applied periodically throughout the day. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid drops if they believe an allergy or inflammation is causing your symptoms. In addition to this, artificial tears can also be used several times a day to keep your eyes moist and comfortable without causing further inflammation and irritation of the conjunctiva (outside covering) of your eyes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are six unique and rare eye colors: amber, violet, red, gray, hazel and pink. Each color can range significantly in terms of hue and shade. Unique eye colors such as pink and amber may be the result of genetic mutations or other medical conditions. On the other hand, some people may be born with softer shades of common eye colors such as brown or blue.
No matter the shade or hue, your eye color is an important part of who you are. It adds individuality to your physical appearance that can’t be replicated. As you walk through life with your one-of-a-kind eyes, remember to always appreciate what makes you so special!
Sources:
- Eye Color – Wikipedia
- The Most Common Eye Colors – AC Lens
- What color are your eyes? Teaching the genetics of iris color
- Heterochromia – Wikipedia
- What is Heterochromia? – All About Vision
- What Is Anisocoria? – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Anisocoria – Wikipedia
- Approach to the patient with anisocoria – UpToDate