Eye color often sparks conversation—it’s a feature that can enhance someone’s beauty and charm. But beyond appearance, scientists suggest that eye color might also offer clues about personality.

A study by researchers at Örebro University in Sweden explored how the patterns in our irises relate to our character. They discovered that the same genes that shape our eye color also influence the frontal lobes of the brain, indicating that people with similar eye colors might share certain personality traits or behaviors.

Here’s a breakdown of what your eye color might reveal about you:

Dark Brown Eyes

Those with deep brown or nearly black eyes are often natural-born leaders. This eye color is among the rarest, and people with it tend to come across as mysterious and reserved. According to a study published in Current Psychology, people with darker eyes are often seen as more agreeable.

High levels of melanin not only darken the eyes but also help brain cells communicate faster—so quick thinking could be one of your strengths. The journal Personality and Individual Differences notes that people with very dark eyes typically drink less alcohol compared to those with lighter eyes.

Brown Eyes

Brown-eyed individuals are usually known for being loyal, respectful, gentle, and dependable—but they aren’t pushovers. A study in Chronobiology International found that people with brown eyes tend to sleep two hours less than those with lighter-colored eyes and often struggle with waking up early.

Blue Eyes

Blue-eyed people are thought to have both inner and physical strength. Still, others may mistakenly see them as shy, less trustworthy, or fragile until they get to know them. A 2006 study by German psychologists, reported in the Daily Mail, found that blue-eyed children were more cautious and less open to unfamiliar experiences.

Grey Eyes

Grey eyes are extremely rare. If your eyes are dark grey, you might be a balanced individual—or someone who changes depending on the situation. You may show different sides of yourself to different people, and how that plays out depends on your emotional control.

Those with light grey eyes often have to put in extra effort to succeed. You tend to keep your guard up, especially in relationships, but once trust is built, you’re deeply caring.

Hazel Eyes

Hazel is a complex color, often shifting between green and brown tones. According to The Eye Doctor Guide, hazel eyes are rare, and so are the people who have them.

Because hazel-eyed individuals can be hard to read, it’s tough to pin down one specific personality type. However, they’re often balanced and avoid extremes in behavior.

Green Eyes

Green-eyed individuals tend to come across as magnetic, mysterious, and confident. They have a moderate amount of melanin, making them both agreeable and assertive.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Hamadi Kallel describes green-eyed people as “original, creative, and excellent under pressure.” He adds they often carry “a quiet self-sufficiency and an aura of mystery.”