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Gaze upon the beauty of the iris.
Absolutely, having an attractive eye color is great. However, recent studies indicate that the size of the pupil and the brightness of the iris are what truly captivate attention.
“Brighter irises and larger pupils elicited greater donations,” noted experts from the Netherlands’ Leiden University in a recent report on how our eyes influence others’ perceptions of us — as well as their willingness to fork over charitable funds.
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The research team carried out two experimental studies, asking participants to evaluate images of non-human primates — specifically, members of the monkey family — featuring modified eye appearances.
In the initial research, 64 individuals were presented with images of 32 distinct species, such as chimpanzees, bonobos, and pig-tailed macaques. The pupil sizes of these animals were altered to look either constricted or dilated, while their iris brightness remained unchanged.
"The researchers inquired about the amount of money participants would be willing to contribute for each portrait, while also asking them to evaluate the portraits based on their perceived cuteness, friendliness, and attractiveness," the investigators reported. They observed that donations “rose for portraits featuring dilated pupils, but only in species that possess bright irises.”
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Participants also found animals with larger pupils to be cuter, friendlier, and more appealing compared to those without this eye-catching feature.
In their second investigation, analysts adjusted the size of the pupil as well as the brightness of the iris.
The experts concluded, “Contributions were significantly higher when participants viewed portraits of primates with bright irises instead of dark ones. Additionally, donations increased when the pupils were illustrated as dilated rather than constricted.”
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Participants in the study assessed primates with more vibrant irises as more adorable when their pupils were dilated, while they found them less appealing when the pupils were constricted.
Participants noted that primates with brighter irises appeared friendlier when their pupils were dilated, while those with constricted pupils were seen as less friendly. Additionally, respondents considered primates with brighter irises to be more attractive, but this perception only applied when the pupils were dilated.
The findings align with earlier research conducted by Zachary Estes at the University of London. In a study published in July, Estes demonstrated that “individuals tend to be perceived as more attractive when their irises are larger, which contributes to a brighter appearance in their eyes.”
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Iris-brightening cosmetic procedures, known as keratopigmentation, are even buzzing among wannabe cuties with desires to be the apple of someone’s eye.
Leiden University insiders seem to back the belief that beauty — not to mention financial generosity — is truly in the eye of the beholder.
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“Clinicians noted that even slight variations in how eye shape is perceived can influence behavior and emotional reactions.”
“They noted that altering the perceived brightness of the iris and the size of the pupil in our portraits significantly influences donation behavior and emotional responses.”
"Portraits featuring bright irises and large pupils were perceived as the most cute and friendly."
