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What’s more interesting is that researchers believe brown eyes were once the only eye colour humans had. Thousands of years ago, a small genetic change reduced melanin (pigment that’s responsible for the colour of your skin, hair and eyes) in some people, which is how lighter eye colours eventually appeared.
- What causes brown eyes?
- Different shades of brown eyes
- Health risks associated with brown eyes
- How to protect brown eyes?
- Popular celebrities with brown eye colour
- Glasses to complement brown eyes
- Makeup tips to enhance your brown eyes
- How to get brown eye colour?
- What is the difference between brown and hazel eyes?
What causes brown eyes
Brown eye colour is primarily determined by the higher amount and denser distribution of melanin in the iris. Melanin exists in two types: Eumelanin and Pheomelanin.
Eumelanin- A primary pigment producer for brown or black. With its ability to absorb and balance out the sun’s harmful effects, Eumelanin is known as a photo protector for the eyes.
Pheomelanin- A type of melanin with a red or yellow colour, pheomelanin is known as photo-reactive and oxidative.
The more melanin present in your iris, the darker your eyes will appear. Genetics, however, are the primary factor in determining how much pigment is produced. When both parents have brown eye colour, the chance is very high that their child will also have brown eyes because of the dominant genes. Still, genetics can sometimes produce surprising results and the family may have different eye colours.
As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the OCA2 gene, which is present on chromosome 15, is one of the most important factors for eye colour. Changes in this gene can control the melanin levels to a large extent.
Different shades of brown eyes
Brown eyes are not just a single shade, they come in a spectrum of colours ranging from honey brown to dark chocolate. Here are some common shades:
Honey brown: A light shade of brown that appears as golden or amber in the light, giving an attractive and mysterious appearance.
Cognac brown: A slightly darker shade than honey brown with a subtle, warm and shimmery appearance.
Chestnut brown: A balanced brown with soft reddish undertones that also resembles chestnuts.
Russet brown: A deeper brown with earthy red and orange tones that add depth and vibrancy to the eyes.
Chocolate brown: A deep shade of brown, making eyes appear attractive and naturally striking in any light.
Black-brown: The darkest shade of brown, so deep it often appears almost black, giving the eyes a bold, intense look.
Health risks associated with brown eyes
Though brown coloured eyes are generally considered to offer more protection against sunlight due to their high melanin content, they are not immune to certain eye health risks. People with brown eye colour may be more susceptible to developing cataracts.
According to the National Library of Medicine, individuals with darker eyes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts, an eye condition affecting over 12 million people worldwide.
However, it is often said that people with brown eyes have a lower likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and uveitis compared to those with blue, green and grey eyes. This is thought to be due to the high melanin content in the iris of brown eyes.
How to protect brown eyes?
Your peepers are your window to the world and caring for them should be a priority.
1. Wear 100% UV-protected sunglasses
Brown eyes naturally contain more melanin which can offer some natural protection from the sun’s rays, but sunglasses with 100% UV protection can offer better protection to your eyes by blocking the harmful ultraviolet light.
2. Regular eye check-ups
Regular sight tests are a must as they allow for the early diagnosis of eye conditions, ensuring that your eyes remain healthy.
Popular celebrities with brown eye colour
Many celebrities have brown eyes colour. For some, it’s become a signature part of their look. Here are a few familiar faces who showcase the natural charm of this eye colour:
1. Emma Watson
2. Keira Knightley
3. Daniel Kaluuya
4. Kate Beckinsale
Glasses to complement brown eyes
Choosing the right glasses can make brown eyes stand out. Choose glasses frames in colours that contrast with your eye hue, such as blue, purple, gold and tortoiseshell to create a striking balance. Here are a few frames that will complement your brown eye colour and help enhance their overall look:
Makeup tips to enhance your brown eyes
Makeup can beautifully highlight the golden tones in brown eyes. Here are some quick tips to help you enhance them:
- Use eyeshadows in green, blue, purple or pink to make brown eye colour look brighter and more vibrant.
- You can also wear coloured mascaras like blue or burgundy for an instant eye-catching pop.
- Apply metallic liners in colours like bronze and copper, try creating soft, smoky eyes or play with golden tones to highlight the natural warmth in brown eye colour.
- To enhance the beauty of your brown coloured eyes, you can go for hair colours like raven black, burgundy red and chocolate brown coupled with copper or caramel highlights.
How to get brown eye colour?
Brown contact lenses are a popular way to get brown eyes. Available in various shades of brown, you can choose the shade that best matches your style. If this will be your first time trying coloured lenses or you are planning to switch from your regular lenses to brown coloured lenses, it is highly advisable to consult your optician before purchasing. Whether you are planning to buy daily or monthly brown contact lenses, you will need an up-to-date prescription and a lens-fitting session with your optician to help you choose the right fit and type for your eyes.
What is the difference between brown and hazel eyes?
Brown eyes have a deeper, more solid brown shade, while hazel eyes appear lighter with a mix of brown, gold and green tones. Hazel eyes can also appear to change colour in different lighting conditions.
