Key Highlights
- Blue eyes are the result of a mutation that occurred 6,000-10,000 years ago.
- All blue-eyed individuals are linked to common ancestor who had this genetic mutation.
- Eye color is determined by the amount of melanin in the iris, and blue-eyed individuals have less melanin.
- Blue eyes are not actually blue; they appear blue due to the way light reflects off the iris.
- People with blue eyes have a higher risk of ocular uveal melanoma and may be more sensitive to light.
- Eye color is determined by multiple genes, making it difficult to predict a child’s eye color based on their parents’ eye color.
Have you ever wondered why some people have blue eyes while others have brown or green eyes? The answer lies in the fascinating world of genetics. Blue eyes are the result of a genetic mutation that occurred thousands of years ago, leading to a reduction in melanin production in the iris. This mutation has been traced back to a single, common ancestor, and all blue-eyed individuals today are descendants of this ancestor. This unique mutation also causes the scattering of blue light, giving blue eyes their distinct color. This lack of pigmentation in the iris is also what causes blue eyes to appear more vibrant and brighter compared to other eye colors.