Determining whether someone’s eyes are amber or brown can be tricky. The color can look different depending on the lighting and other factors. Here are some tips to help identify amber eyes versus brown eyes.
What causes amber eyes?
Amber eyes are caused by deposits of a pigment called lipochrome in the iris of the eye. Lipochrome contains a yellowish pigment called pheomelanin. The concentration and distribution of lipochrome in the iris determines the shade of amber in the eye from light yellow to a darker orange-brown color.
In contrast, brown eyes get their color from a pigment called melanin. Higher amounts of melanin in the iris produce darker shades of brown. Amber eyes have a distinct yellow/gold tint that helps distinguish them from light brown eyes.
How to tell amber eyes from brown
Here are some ways to identify whether eyes are amber or brown:
- Look closely at the iris in bright, natural lighting. Amber eyes will have a distinct golden, yellowish, or russet tint. Brown eyes appear darker without this yellowish hue.
- See if the eyes “light up” golden or yellowish in sunlight. The light brings out the amber color more.
- Avoid judging the color in dim lighting. Amber eyes can appear light brown or hazel in low light conditions.
- Look for a dark orange or reddish outer ring around the pupil, which indicates more lipochrome in that part of the iris.
- See if the eyes look more golden/yellow compared to the person’s skin tone and hair color. Amber stands out against cooler complexions and dark hair.
The more yellow in the eye, the more likely it is to be amber rather than light brown. However, some people can have hazel or amber-brown eyes that are difficult to classify distinctly.
Other factors affecting eye color perception
Several other factors can influence the apparent shade of someone’s eye color.
| Factor | Effect on Color Perception |
|---|---|
| Age | Lipochrome and melanin levels decrease with age, making amber and brown eyes lighter over time. |
| Mood | Dilation of pupils lightens the iris color, while constriction can make them appear darker. |
| Eyeliner and eyeshadow | Makeup around the eyes can enhance or mute the eye color. |
| Bloodshot eyes | Reddish eye veins can alter the perceived hue. |
| Surrounding colors | Nearby colors can make eyes look more golden/yellow or more brown by contrast. |
So the apparent shade of amber or brown eyes is not constant and can vary a bit between environments and situations.
Genetic factors in amber eyes
Amber eye color is a genetic variation like blue or green eyes. It results from inherited genes that produce lipochrome and low melanin in the iris.
Key genetic factors associated with amber eyes:
- Variation in OCA2 gene – Reduces melanin production
- Mutation of SLC24A5 gene – Limits melanin and increases pheomelanin
- Altered MC1R gene – Boosts pheomelanin, dilutes melanin
These genetic quirks cause the iris to produce less dark pigment and more lipochrome, creating the golden eye color. However, genetics aren’t the only factor as environmental conditions also affect melanin and lipochrome levels.
Geographic distribution of amber eyes
Amber eye color occurs in less than 1% of the global population. But it’s more common in certain ethnicities and regions:
- Most prevalent in people of Asian descent
- Found across Northern and Eastern Europe
- Occurs among some Hispanic and Latino populations
- Rare among people of recent African descent
In Asia, amber eyes appear in higher frequency in countries like India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. Prevalence is lower in Eastern Asian groups like China, Korea, and Japan.
Northern European regions with more occurrences of amber eyes include Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. The trait is also seen among Central Asians like Turkmenistanis and Tajiks.
Comparison of amber and brown eyes
Here is a quick summary of how amber eyes differ from brown eyes:
| Amber Eyes | Brown Eyes | |
|---|---|---|
| Hue | Golden, yellowish, orange, russet | Darker without yellow tone |
| Lighting Response | “Light up” golden in sunlight | Appear consistently brown |
| Genetics | More pheomelanin, less melanin | Higher melanin levels |
| Global Prevalence | Less than 1% of population | Most common eye color |
| Ethnicities | More common in Asia, Eastern Europe | Universal across ethnicities |
Conclusion
Identifying amber eyes requires looking closely for golden, yellowish hues in the iris that distinguish them from brown. Lighting conditions, genetic ancestry, and other factors can make amber eyes tricky to discern from light brown shades. But with close examination for lipochrome pheomelanin deposits and low melanin, the warm glow of true amber eyes comes through.
