The Island Tribe with Electric Blue Eyes

The Buton people from Sulawesi’s Buton Island in Indonesia are notable for a rare genetic condition that gives some of them striking electric blue eyes.

This condition, known as Waardenburg syndrome, affects pigmentation and can sometimes cause hearing loss. Many individuals exhibit these distinctive blue eyes, making their appearance particularly remarkable.

Waardenburg syndrome is caused by mutations in genes responsible for pigmentation and the development of the inner ear. It may also result in other features such as patches of white hair or skin. The rare and vivid blue eyes of the Buton people have drawn significant attention, highlighting the uniqueness of this genetic trait.

Despite its rarity, the syndrome’s presence in this remote community has become a point of fascination, showcasing the diverse genetic variations that exist within different populations around the world.