Eyes are the window to the soul, but who would’ve thought they could reveal your risk for alcoholism? According to a new study conducted by the University of Vermont published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, people with light-colored eyes, especially blue, have a higher risk for alcoholism. Shocking, right? The group of scientists followed nearly 1,300 Americans with European ancestry. What they found was that individuals with light eyes (blue, green, hazel, grey) were more likely to become alcoholics than those with dark brown eyes. Here’s the interesting part: The genes that determine our eye color are related to how much alcohol we consume, but just how much the two are related is the real mystery.
Research shows that while Whites and Native Americans have a greater risk for alcohol use disorders compared to other ethnic groups, Blacks have higher rates of recurrent or persistent dependence once alcohol dependence occurs. Also, the consequences of drinking appear to be greater for Blacks and other minorities.
It’s important to point out that this isn’t the first time scientists have researched the link between eye color and alcohol dependency. Back in 2000, a Georgia State University study found that light-eyed females consumed more alcohol than brown-eyed females.