What are sanpaku eyes?
Sanpaku eyes are also known as "three eyes" in Japanese culture. While this description may conjure a spooky visual, they're actually quite common, and you likely know someone with sanpaku eyes without realizing it.
Sanpuku eyes are when the whites of the eyes show above or below the iris. These are notable because your sclera (the white of your eyes) usually only shows on the left and right. The medical term for sanpaku eyes is "scleral show."
Still, sanpaku eyes are fascinating, so buckle up — below, we explain what this means, the different types, and even which famous people have them.
“Normal” eyes vs. sanpaku eyes
Without getting into the philosophies of what's considered normal — cue positive self-talk — let's say sanpaku eyes aren't average.
Normal (or average) eyes have several characteristics:
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They're symmetrical in sizing and position.
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When looking straight, the upper eyelids align with and cover the upper part of the cornea.
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They're adequately lubricated, so dry eyes aren't an issue.
Sanpaku eyes, on the other hand, have more of the white part visible above or below the iris.
Different types of sanpaku eyes
There are two main types of sanpaku eyes: yin sanpaku and yang sanpaku.
Yin sanpaku eyes
Yin sanpaku eyes are the more common type, with the whites showing below the iris. In Japanese culture, yin sanpaku eyes are associated with physical imbalances, sensitivity to external stimuli, mystery, and intense emotions.
Marilyn Monroe is an example of a celebrity with yin sanpaku eyes.
Yang sanpaku eyes
Yang sanpaku eyes are less common and are characterized by the whites of the eyes showing above the iris. They're associated with a dominant personality and are mentally or physically aggressive. Yang sanpaku eyes are typically seen less favorably than yin sanpaku eyes.
To reinforce the whole dominant and aggressive belief, a famous example of yang sanpaku eyes is Charles Manson.
How common are sanpaku eyes?
It's unclear how prevalent sanpaku eyes are worldwide. A 2020 study examined 123 participants without eye diseases and found that about 50% had sanpaku eyes. However, your high school science teacher would probably scoff and tell you that's too small of a sample size to be conclusive.
What causes sanpaku eyes?
Sanpaku eyes aren't usually a sign of an eye issue. People can get sanpaku eyes for various reasons, including:
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Genetics: You can be born with sanpaku eyes.
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Age: You may develop sanpaku eyes as you age.
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Medications: Some medications can cause sanpaku eyes to develop.
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Disease: Some medical conditions and diseases, such as corneal arcus, eye cancer, eye trauma, hormonal imbalances, or Graves' disease, can cause sanpaku eyes.
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Other conditions: Substance abuse, sleep issues, and complications from eye lift surgery can cause sanpaku eyes.
If you suddenly develop sanpaku eyes, it's worth scheduling an eye exam. An eye care professional can ensure the sudden change isn't associated with a disease or medical condition.
Are sanpaku eyes bad?
Remember what your mom taught you — you're special just how you are.
Sanpaku eyes aren't bad. Whether you were born with them or developed them later in life, it's simply how your eyes look. Of course, suppose your sanpaku eyes are a result of an underlying health concern or condition. In that case, you might naturally have a negative connotation toward them, and we can't blame you for that.
Your feelings about sanpaku eyes might also be determined by your culture. For example, sanpaku eyes are seen as bad luck in Japan but good luck in China.
Sanpaku eye origins and history
The term "sanpaku" was coined in 1965 by Japanese macrobiotic theorist George Ohsawa. The Japanese definition of three whites is perfectly fitting, given the three portions of white visible on the eyes.
Ohsawa popularized the concept of sanpaku eyes when he wrote a book called You Are All Sanpaku. In the book, he claimed sanpaku eyes meant a person was physically, physiologically, or spiritually imbalanced.
Do we take Ohsawa at his word that sanpaku eyes are so awful? Well, he also later claimed to have predicted President John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe's deaths based on sanpaku eyes. So, we'll let you decide on that one.
In Japanese culture, face reading to tell your fate is popular. This practice includes interpreting the shape and structure of your eyes, which is why the concept of sanpaku eyes is so well-known in Japan. The overall belief is that individuals with yin sanpaku eyes will come to a tragic end, while people with yang sanpaku eyes are hostile and violent.
If you're staring in a mirror right now and see sanpaku eyes, don't panic. We're about to share plenty of famous people with sanpaku eyes who have seemingly had good fortune.
Famous sanpaku eyes
Some of the most famous people with sanpaku eyes are:
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Sylvester Stallone
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Billie Eilish
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Aubrey Plaza
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Princess Diana
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Jeremy Allen White
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Lalisa Manoban (Lisa)
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Michael Jackson
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Anya Taylor-Joy
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Elvis Presley
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Takeoff
Okay, sure, some on this list have had tragic fates, but certainly not all. You must take comfort in that.
How to tell if you have sanpaku eyes
After all that, you have to be wondering if you have sanpaku eyes. Look straight into the mirror. Can you see any whites above or under your iris? If so, you have yin or yang sanpaku eyes.
And remember, even if you don't have them now, something as simple as naturally aging or developing insomnia might cause you to develop sanpaku eyes.
Whether you have them or not, remember that sanpaku eyes are just about the physical appearance of your eyes. They don't cause your vision to worsen or change the shape or structure of your eye. This means you can continue wearing your regular contacts and glasses even if you eventually develop sanpaku eyes. So, continue to refill your contacts at 1-800 Contacts without issues, sanpaku eyes or not.
And now that you know everything you can possibly know about sanpaku eyes, we guarantee you'll stare deep into everyone's eyes going forward — which everyone is going to either take as flirting or unsettling behavior. You've been warned.
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Original publish date: 7/25/2023
Updated date: 1/23/2025