Sanpaku eyes, a term originating from Japanese face reading, refers to a condition where the white of the eye (sclera) is visible either above or below the iris. This phenomenon gained widespread attention after writer George Ohsawa suggested that sanpaku eyes indicate an imbalance in a person’s physical or mental state, possibly predicting misfortune.
According to ophthalmologists, the visibility of sclera depends on various anatomical and medical factors. In some cases, lower scleral show is linked to conditions like thyroid eye disease, aging, or neurological disorders. Meanwhile, the upper scleral show can result from high stress or congenital traits. Psychologists also explore how eye appearance influences social perception, as sanpaku eyes may unintentionally convey emotions such as fear, exhaustion, or intensity.
Despite its mystical reputation, sanpaku eyes remain an intriguing topic of discussion in both cultural superstition and scientific study. Understanding the real causes behind this eye feature helps separate fact from fiction, allowing for a more informed perspective on its significance.
What Are Sanpaku Eyes? A Scientific Explanation
Sanpaku eyes refer to a condition where the white part of the eye (sclera) is visible above or below the iris when looking straight ahead. This term comes from Japanese face reading, with sanpaku meaning “three whites,”—indicating that the eye’s whites are visible in three areas instead of the usual two (left and right). There are two types of sanpaku eyes:
- Yin Sanpaku: The sclera is visible below the iris.
- Yang Sanpaku: The sclera is visible above the iris.
From a scientific perspective, sanpaku eyes are influenced by anatomical, medical, and psychological factors rather than mystical predictions. Lower scleral show (yin sanpaku) is often linked to aging, fatigue, or conditions such as thyroid eye disease, which can cause the eyes to bulge. Upper scleral show (yang sanpaku) may result from high stress, neurological disorders, or trauma.
Psychologists also study how eye structure affects perception, with sanpaku eyes sometimes conveying emotions like fear, intensity, or exhaustion. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that sanpaku eyes determine personality or fate. Instead, their appearance is primarily influenced by genetics, health conditions, and facial structure.
The Origins of the Sanpaku Eye Myth
The concept of sanpaku eyes originates from Japanese face reading (ninso), a practice that interprets facial features to determine a person’s character and destiny. The term santoku translates to “three whites,” referring to the visible sclera on three sides of the iris. Traditionally, this eye characteristic was believed to indicate imbalance—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Sanpaku eyes gained global attention in the 1960s when George Ohsawa, the founder of modern macrobiotics, popularized the idea that having sanpaku eyes was a sign of misfortune or poor health. In his book, Ohsawa claimed that individuals with yin sanpaku (sclera visible below the iris) were physically weak and at risk of accidents. In contrast, those with yang sanpaku (sclera visible above the iris) had uncontrolled emotions, making them prone to violent or self-destructive behavior.
This idea became more widespread when people noticed sanpaku eyes in historical figures like John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, and Princess Diana—who all met tragic ends. However, despite its intrigue, there is no scientific basis for these claims. Sanpaku eyes are a natural variation in eye structure influenced by genetics, aging, and medical conditions rather than an omen of misfortune.
Medical and Anatomical Causes of Sanpaku Eyes
While sanpaku eyes have been linked to superstition, their appearance is primarily influenced by medical and anatomical factors. The visibility of the sclera (white part of the eye) above or below the iris can result from various health conditions, genetic traits, and structural changes in the face and eyes.
1. Genetics and Natural Eye Shape
Some individuals naturally have sanpaku eyes due to genetic factors that influence their eye structure, eyelid positioning, or facial anatomy. This is not necessarily a sign of health issues but rather a normal variation in appearance.
2. Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves’ Disease)
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), particularly in Graves’ disease, can cause exophthalmos, a condition where the eyes bulge outward. This can make the sclera more visible, often leading to yin sanpaku (sclera visible below the iris).
3. Aging and Skin Changes
As people age, the skin and muscles around the eyes may weaken, leading to changes in eyelid position. The lower eyelid may droop slightly, exposing more of the sclera and giving the appearance of yin sanpaku.
4. Neurological and Psychological Conditions
Certain neurological disorders, such as Horner’s syndrome or paralysis affecting eye muscles, can alter eye positioning and movement, causing scleral show. In cases of extreme stress or anxiety, widened eyes can also give the temporary appearance of yang sanpaku (sclera visible above the iris).
5. Trauma or Surgery Effects
Facial trauma, orbital fractures, or complications from cosmetic surgery (such as lower eyelid blepharoplasty) can affect the positioning of the eyelids, making the sclera more visible than usual.
Sanpaku eyes are primarily a result of anatomical and medical factors rather than mystical predictions. While they may indicate certain health conditions in some cases, they are often simply a natural variation in eye appearance.
Read Also: T-Rex Arm Sleeping Is a Common Habit That Helps Us Feel Secure and Relaxed
Famous Faces with Sanpaku Eyes: Coincidence or Pattern?
The idea that sanpaku eyes are linked to misfortune became widely popular after George Ohsawa suggested that many tragic historical figures had this eye feature. Supporters of this belief point to famous individuals who had sanpaku eyes and met untimely or dramatic ends. However, is this truly a pattern or just a coincidence?
Notable Figures with Sanpaku Eyes
- John F. Kennedy – The former U.S. president had noticeable yin sanpaku eyes (sclera visible below the iris). His assassination in 1963 fueled speculation about the supposed misfortune linked to this trait.
- Marilyn Monroe—The Hollywood icon known for her beauty and troubled personal life, Marilyn Monroe also displayed yin sanpaku eyes. Her tragic passing at a young age contributed to the myth.
- Princess Diana – Often photographed with yin sanpaku eyes, Princess Diana’s tragic death in a car crash further reinforced the superstition.
- Michael Jackson – The pop legend’s yang sanpaku eyes (sclera visible above the iris) were sometimes linked to his emotional struggles and later health issues.
Science vs. Superstition
While these examples are intriguing, the reality is that millions of people have sanpaku eyes and live entirely successful lives every day. The human brain is wired to find patterns, even where none exist—this is known as confirmation bias. People remember cases that fit the myth while ignoring countless individuals with sanpaku eyes who do not experience misfortune.
The link between sanpaku eyes and tragedy is more of a cultural myth than a scientific fact. While some famous figures with sanpaku eyes have faced unfortunate events, there is no medical or psychological evidence to support the idea that this feature determines destiny.
Do Sanpaku Eyes Predict Misfortune?
The belief that sanpaku eyes are a sign of misfortune comes from Japanese face reading and was popularized by George Ohsawa, who claimed that this eye feature indicated an imbalance in a person’s physical or mental state. According to this theory:
- Yin Sanpaku (sclera visible below the iris) suggests vulnerability to accidents, illness, or external dangers.
- Yang Sanpaku (sclera visible above the iris) is said to indicate emotional instability, aggression, or self-destructive tendencies.
However, from a scientific perspective, there is no evidence to support the idea that sanpaku eyes predict fate or misfortune. The visibility of the sclera is influenced by genetics, age, medical conditions, and facial structure—not supernatural forces.
The Psychological Perspective
Sanpaku’s eyes may influence how others perceive a person. Studies on facial appearance suggest that wide or intense eyes can give off a sense of fear, sadness, or unpredictability, which might subconsciously influence social interactions. However, perception is not the same as fate—there is no proof that people with Sanpaku eyes are destined for tragedy.
Coincidence vs. Reality
While some famous figures with sanpaku eyes have faced tragic events, this is likely due to confirmation bias—people notice cases that fit their beliefs while ignoring countless others who live normal, happy lives.
Verdict
Sanpaku’s eyes do not predict misfortune. They are a natural variation in eye appearance, influenced by medical and genetic factors rather than mystical forces. The superstition remains an interesting cultural belief, but science does not support it as a predictor of destiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress or emotions make Sanpaku’s eyes more noticeable?
Yes, extreme stress, fear, or exhaustion can cause temporary widening of the eyes, making the sclera more visible above or below the iris.
Do famous people with sanpaku eyes always meet tragic fates?
Many well-known figures with sanpaku eyes, such as Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy, have had tragic endings, but this is likely a coincidence. Many others live long and successful lives.
Can sanpaku eyes be treated or changed?
If sanpaku eyes are caused by a medical condition, treatment for the underlying issue may reduce their appearance. In cosmetic cases, surgical procedures like eyelid lifts may alter scleral show.
How do people perceive sanpaku eyes?
Psychological studies suggest that people may associate sanpaku eyes with fear, intensity, or emotional instability, but these are subjective perceptions, not inherent traits.
What is the scientific conclusion about sanpaku eyes?
Science views sanpaku eyes as a natural variation in eye anatomy with no proven link to personality, fate, or fortune. While they may sometimes indicate medical conditions, they are mostly harmless and do not predict future events.
Conclusion
Sanpaku eyes have long been associated with superstition, particularly the idea that they indicate misfortune, emotional instability, or poor health. This belief, popularized by Japanese face reading and later reinforced by George Ohsawa, has captured the public imagination, especially when linked to famous individuals who met tragic ends.