Facts About Brown Eyes

By Meredith Marmurek

Brown eyes aren’t rare. In fact, brown is the most common eye color. Between 70% and 80% of people around the world have brown eyes. In the U.S., 50% of the population has brown eyes. 

One reason they are so common is because there are many shades of brown, including: 

• Light brown – Lighter shades can range from honey or gold to cognac with hints of red. 
• Medium brown – Medium shades range from rich chestnut to a deeper brown with cool undertones. 
• Dark brown – Shades such as chocolate and black-brown are even darker, and may seem to almost blend in with the pupil. This can sometimes cause a person’s eyes to look black. 

Eye color is determined by genetics and melanin.  

Genetics and Eye Color 

Genetics play a major and complex role in determining eye color. Rather than one gene affecting eye color, there are actually many genes that can impact the color of your eyes. So, even if both your parents have brown eyes, your eyes could be a different color.  

Melanin and Eye Color  

Your genetics help determine the amount of melanin you have in your body. Melanin is a natural pigment that is responsible for the color of your eyes, skin, and hair. The more melanin you have, the darker your eyes, hair, and skin. 

In your eyes, melanin is found in the iris — the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil. That’s what gives your eyes their color.  

The iris has two layers (front and back). Almost everyone has melanin in the back layer. People with brown eyes have a lot of melanin in both layers of the iris. People with lighter-colored eyes — like blue, green, or gray — typically have little or no melanin in the front layer.    

If you have brown eyes, you may be:   

• Less sensitive to sunlight – Melanin can absorb and block bright light from the sun. Since brown eyes have a lot of melanin, people with this eye color may be less sensitive to sunlight than people with lighter-colored eyes. 
• Less likely to develop certain eye diseases – Experts believe that melanin may help protect the eyes from diseases such as eye cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. 
• Considered more trustworthy – Participants in a study were shown pictures of 40 men and 40 women, with either brown or blue eyes. The faces with brown eyes were rated most trustworthy.  

Even though the melanin in dark eyes can absorb sunlight, people with brown eyes may be more likely to develop cataracts than those with lighter-colored eyes. That makes it even more important to wear sunglasses with 100% UVA-UVB lens protection any time you go outside.  

No matter what color eyes you have, it’s essential to get regular eye exams. This gives your eye doctor a chance to check your vision and the health of your eyes. 

Brown may be the most common eye color, but no two people have eyes that look exactly the same. Your eye color is unique.   

Here are some more fun facts about brown eyes:  

Brown is considered the original eye color because all early humans had dark brown eyes. Today, brown is still the most common shade among people in Africa and Asia. 

You may have heard that all babies are born with blue eyes, but this isn’t true. One study found that about 20% of newborns had blue eyes, and approximately 63% of babies had brown eyes at birth.  

Black, gold, green, and tortoise are among the best glasses colors for brown eyes. Some of our favorite styles include: 

• The Red Bluff in black, dark tortoise, or light tortoise  
• The Arlo in black, brown tortoise, or tan tortoise  
• The Victoria in gold 
• The Cerritos in gold 
• The Duncan Blue Light Reader in dark green/grey 
• The Studio in dark green and tortoise, tortoise, or black and tortoise  

We have a wide selection of reading glasses and reading sunglasses to help you show off and protect your beautiful eyes. Shop our collections at Readers.com to find your next pair of reading glasses. 

Not sure what strength readers you need? Find Your Reading Glasses Power  

SOURCES: 

1. What is the rarest eye color in the world? ContactsDirect. June 2023.* 
2. Brown eyes: Facts about the most common eye color. Eyebuydirect. July 2023.* 
3. Eye colors. Cleveland Clinic. March 2024. 
4. Eye color genetics. All About Vision. March 2021.*   

The sources listed here have been provided for informational purposes only. The citation of a particular source does not constitute an endorsement or approval of EssilorLuxottica products, services, or opinions by such source.  

*Like Readers.com, ContactsDirect, Eyebuydirect, All About Vision and AAV Media, LLC are affiliates of EssilorLuxottica.  

There may be some health benefits for people who have brown eyes. They may have a lower risk of developing certain diseases like Type 1 diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, and eye melanoma, which is cancer in the cells that produce melanin. 

Blue-eyed individuals may have a lower risk of developing certain mental health issues. 

No matter the color of your eyes, you can help them stand out by choosing glasses in a flattering color. Consider the following frame color suggestions for the most common eye colors: 

Blue Eyes 

People with blue eyes have several options when it comes to choosing a frame color. Blue glasses can make your eyes pop, while black glasses provide an attractive contrast.  

Brown Eyes 

If you have brown eyes, consider going bold with a green frame. You could also try a brown tortoise frame if you prefer a more neutral color.  

Green Eyes 

Purple glasses can make green eyes stand out. Frames in brown or other earthy shades also look great with green eyes.   

Hazel Eyes 

Since hazel eyes are a mix of green and brown, consider frames that flatter both colors like metallic silver. A tan frame is another compatible option.  

No one else in the world has the same color eyes as you. The right color frames can accentuate your eyes and enhance their natural beauty. Shop our wide variety of reading glasses today to find the best color for your one-of-a-kind eyes. 

SOURCES: 

1. These are the most attractive eye colours. Lenstore. October 2021. 
2. Violet eyes. All About Vision. March 2021.† 
3. Green eyes: The most attractive eye color. All About Vision. February 2019.† 
4. Eye color genetics. All About Vision. March 2021.† 
5. Eye colors. Cleveland Clinic. March 2024. 
6. Brown eyes – Facts about brown eye color. All About Vision. February 2019.† 
7. Ocular melanoma. All About Vision. February 2021.†  

The sources listed here have been provided for informational purposes only. The citation of a particular source does not constitute an endorsement or approval of EssilorLuxottica products, services, or opinions by such source.  

†Like Readers.com, All About Vision, AAV Media, LLC, and Lenstore are affiliates of EssilorLuxottica.