Revealed: What your EYES say about you, according to science
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They're often described as the 'windows to the soul'. But a new study suggests that our eyes can convey more about us than we previously thought. Researchers from Leiden University have revealed that our eyes shape how people perceive everything from our attractiveness to our generosity.
![[In their study, the team asked people to rate photos of non-human primates with altered eyes. Their results revealed that animals with bright irises and large pupils were rated as more attractive and more friendly]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/12/93910101-14266571-In_their_study_the_team_asked_people_to_rate_photos_of_non_human-a-72_1736425089966.jpg)
While you might think that it all comes down to colour, the researchers found that two other factors are key - pupil size, and iris brightness. In their study, the team asked people to rate photos of non-human primates with altered eyes. Their results revealed that animals with bright irises and large pupils were rated as more attractive and more friendly.
![[Participants donated more when exposed to eyes with brighter irises. They also perceived primates with brighter irises as cuter, friendlier, and more attractive - but only if they had dilated pupils]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/09/12/93910097-14266571-Participants_donated_more_when_exposed_to_eyes_with_brighter_iri-a-82_1736425311160.jpg)
Meanwhile, animals with larger pupils also elicited greater charitable donations. 'Our results demonstrate that small changes in perceived eye morphology impact behaviour and affective responses,' the researchers said. Researchers from Leiden University have revealed that our eyes shape how people perceive everything from our attractiveness to our generosity (stock image).
In their study, the team asked people to rate photos of non-human primates with altered eyes. Their results revealed that animals with bright irises and large pupils were rated as more attractive and more friendly. The eye has many parts, including the iris (the coloured part), the pupil (the opening in the middle of the iris), and the lens (the transparent structure inside the eye).
