A method for generating relatively realistic virtual eyes for a character in a virtual environment, such as a video game, chat room, and virtual world. Different types of visual effects and textures are layered to create relatively realistic virtual eyes for a character in the virtual environment. These layered visual effects include a sclera texture that is generated to cover the opening surrounded by the virtual eyelids for the character. Layered over the sclera texture is a transparent texture that also covers these openings and includes opaque virtual irises that are arranged in a position that is based on a direction that the character is looking. Additionally, a relatively light spot or additive "glint" texture is layered in a position on top of the virtual iris for the transparent texture that is based at least in part on a summation of light sources that are illuminating the character in a scene of the virtual environment.