Grey Eye Color

Author: Anna Barden

Just how common are grey eyes?

Grey eyes are among the rarest eye colors that exist. It takes a unique combination of collagen and melanin in the iris (the colored part of the eye) to create this rare color.

Read on for more information about grey eyes, where they’re found in popular culture, and how to choose the best eyewear to flatter your eye color.

The Genetics Behind Grey Eye Color

Eye color is determined by two main factors: genetics and melanin. Since you inherit your genes from your parents, you’re more likely to have grey eyes if at least one parent does too.

Melanin is a pigment in the body that gives hair, skin, and eyes their color, and your genes influence the levels and types of melanin your body produces. The more melanin you have, the darker your hair, skin, and eyes will likely be.

Both light and dark shades of grey-colored eyes have less melanin than other colors (especially brown). Grey eyes have little to no melanin in them.

Grey Eye Color and Collagen

Another unique component to grey eyes is the amount of collagen they have. Collagen is a protein that provides the structure and stability to parts of the body such as the muscles, tissues, bones, and eyes.

Grey-colored eyes have more collagen in the stroma (the front layer of the iris) than other eye colors. When light scatters off this large amount of collagen, the eyes appear more grey.

How Rare Are Grey Eyes?

Approximately 3% of the global population has grey eyes, making it one of the rarest eye colors. This is compared to brown eyes, which make up 70% to 80% of the global population, followed by blue eyes with 8% to 10% of the world’s population.

The only eye color rarer than grey is green. Just 2% of the global population has green eyes.

Grey Eyes vs. Blue Eyes

When comparing blue vs. grey eyes, there are a few factors to consider. Both eye colors have little to no melanin. But because grey eyes have more collagen in the stroma, they appear more grey than blue.

It can be difficult to tell if someone has grey vs. blue eyes in different lighting levels. But one good way to compare blue to grey eyes is by considering their hue or brightness level. Blue eyes tend to be more vibrant, while grey-colored eyes are more muted.

Many grey eyes are darker at the edges and lighter toward the pupil, while blue eyes tend to be lighter at the edges and darker toward the pupil. Everyone’s eyes are different though, so these characteristics can vary.

The Rarity of Grey Eyes in Pop Culture

As with everyday life, grey eyes are also uncommon in popular culture. They have a sharp yet strong appeal that makes them a versatile option suited for both heroes and villains.

Some notable Disney villains that have grey-colored eyes include Ursula the Sea Witch from The Little Mermaid (animated version), as well as her human counterpart, Vanessa. Mother Gothel, the villain in Tangled, also has grey eyes.

Many anime characters’ eyes are grey too, including Avatar Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender, Allen Walker from D.Gray-man, and Yu Narukami from Persona 4: The Animation.

Celebrities with grey eyes are just as remarkable. Some A-listers who are known for their greyish eye color include:

• Pink
• Jimmy Page
• Tom Jones
• Rooney Mara
• Heather Graham
• Tracy Pollan

Choosing Eyewear that Complements Grey Eyes

The right eyewear can bring out your gorgeous grey eyes even more. Here’s how you can look good in your glasses while accentuating different shades of grey:

• Light grey eyes can either be cool or warm in tone. Depending which temperature you lean toward, the best glasses colors may include purple, red, and light tortoiseshell.
• Dark grey eyes (and dark hair) are most flattered by rose gold, blue, black, and bronze frames.
• Blue-grey eyes look great with frames that have grey or blue features. They’re also flattered by colors that contrast with blue, like brown or tortoiseshell.
• Grey-green eyeslook best with gold and brown tones. Purple and pink frames are also great options to select if you want to add contrast to your look.

Having grey-colored eyes makes you part of a unique 3% of the global population. No matter what glasses you wear to show them off, it’s vital that you take care of your eyes (and vision) with an annual eye exam. Routine care is the best way to keep the sparkle in your grey eyes, so never hesitate to schedule an eye exam when you’re due for one!