Some cultures believe that the body offers clues about our overall well-being. This is exactly what the concept of sanpaku eyes is all about.
Let’s discuss this topic to understand the relationship between mind, body, and spirit and learn what traditional Western medicine says about this eye trait.
What are Sanpaku Eyes?
Sanpaku eyes is a Japanese term. Essentially, it refers to a specific eye appearance in which the white part of the eye—known as the sclera—is visible not only on the sides of the iris (the colored part) but also above or below it.
In Japanese face reading, sanpaku eyes are considered more than an aesthetic feature. They offer clues about our emotional state, physical health, and spiritual path.
Who Created the Term?
A Japanese macrobiotic theorist, George Ohsawa, first described sanpaku in 1965. In his book “You Are All Sanpaku,” Ohsawa claimed that “any sign of sanpaku meant that a man’s entire system—physical, physiological and spiritual—was out of balance” and could signify an “early and tragic end.”
Ohsawa claimed to have predicted the death of Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963. President Kennedy had sanpaku eyes.
Face-reading traditions in Asian cultures agree that sanpaku eyes can indicate someone’s fate. Although theorists can base their claims on real-life examples, there’s no scientific evidence to back them up.
Types of Sanpaku Eyes
There are two types of sanpaku eyes—yin sanpaku, where the white shows beneath the iris, and yang sanpaku, where the white is visible above.
We created a table to easily show the traits associated with the different types of sanpaku eyes:
| Eye Description | Associated Traits | Commonality | |
| Yin Sanpaku | White of the eye visible below the iris | Physical imbalances, sensitivity to external stimuli, intense emotions | More common |
| Yang Sanpaku | White of the eye visible above the iris | Mental/emotional stress, aggressive tendencies | Less common |
It’s important to note that these interpretations are not scientifically validated and shouldn’t be considered definitive diagnoses.
What’s the Medical Perspective on Sanpaku Eyes?
"Sanpaku" isn't a medical term. In Western medicine, we refer to this as "scleral show," which means the white part of the eye (sclera) is more visible than usual. This can happen for various reasons.
Different factors that can contribute to the appearance of the scleral show include:
- Genetics. Like eye color and hair texture, the shape and size of your eyes can be inherited. If your parents or grandparents had sanpaku eyes, it's not uncommon for you to have them, too.
- Aging. As we age, the skin around our eyes loses elasticity and starts to sag. This can cause the lower eyelids to droop, revealing more of the sclera beneath the iris.
- Medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease or problems with the eyelid muscles, can lead to increased scleral show in some cases.
Are Sanpaku Eyes a Sign of Health Problems?
The scleral show is generally considered a normal variation in eye anatomy and doesn't indicate any underlying health issues.
Some researchers believe that the visibility of the sclera might have evolutionary benefits. The "cooperative eye hypothesis" suggests that seeing the white of someone's eye helps us interpret their gaze direction and emotions, enhancing communication and social interaction.
How are Sanpaku Eyes Interpreted in Holistic Medicine?
From a holistic perspective, sanpaku eyes can be viewed as a potential indicator of imbalance in the body. This could manifest as chronic fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal irregularities.
Some holistic practitioners believe that lifestyle factors can contribute to the appearance of sanpaku eyes. These include:
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Lack of sleep
However, it's crucial to remember that Western medicine doesn't attribute specific health conditions to sanpaku eyes. If you have this eye characteristic and are concerned about your health, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
Do Sanpaku Eyes Require Treatment?
The scleral show typically doesn’t require treatment. The lower scleral show, or yang sanpaku eyes, are often considered desirable.
However, scleral show that develops as a result of the aging process can lead to dry eye syndrome. If this occurs, your eye doctor may recommend using artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers have also been shown to reduce lower scleral show in people with sagging cheeks.
What Celebrities Have Sanpaku Eyes?
Sanpaku eyes gained popularity in Western culture after face readers identified the trait in American President John F. Kennedy.
Since then, many celebrities with this distinct eye appearance have been identified. Billie Eilish is a current example of yin sanpaku eyes.
Like President Kennedy, some of these celebrities’ fates seemingly justify the Japanese theory as documented by Ohsawa. Here are some examples:
- Princess Diana of Wales (yin sanpaku eyes). Died at age 36 following a car crash
- Michael Jackson (yin sanpaku eyes). Died at age 50 of a drug overdose
- Marilyn Monroe (yin sanpaku eyes). Died at age 36 of a sedative drug overdose
- Takeoff (Kirsnick Khari Ball) (yin sanpaku eyes). Died at 28 after a tragic shooting
- Elvis Presley (yin sanpaku eyes). Died at age 42 following years of drug use
Serial killer Charles Manson is shown with yang sanpaku eyes in some photos. But in others, his eyes appear normal.
Interpretations of sanpaku eyes may vary depending on cultural and medical perspectives. If you have concerns about your health, we suggest consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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