The color of our eyes is mainly determined by the amount of melanin in the iris. Dark irises contain more melanin, making them more effective at blocking light and therefore making people with dark eyes less sensitive to light than those with light eyes.
Melanin is the pigment that gives color to our eyes as well as our hair and skin. Basically, the more melanin your eyes contain, the darker your irises will be (brown or black). The less you have, the lighter your eyes will be (blue, green, or gray). But above all, melanin plays a role as a natural shield against light: it absorbs some of the light rays and thus protects our eyes from excessive brightness. So, the less melanin your eyes contain, the more you are likely to be sensitive to bright light, because without this natural protection, light penetrates your eye more and quickly becomes uncomfortable. Conversely, those with dark eyes generally resist sunlight or bright lights better.
Light-colored eyes (blue, green, gray) contain less melanin than dark-colored eyes (brown or black). Since melanin acts as a sort of natural filter against light, a person with light-colored eyes generally experiences brightness more intensely. For them, the sun or even the neon lights of a room can quickly become uncomfortable or even painful. In contrast, a person with dark eyes has a better natural resistance due to a higher amount of protective pigments. This is why those with light-colored eyes often have the reflex to put on their sunglasses more quickly or complain more when the lighting is intense.
Everything revolves around the iris, the colored part of our eyes. The more melanin, this dark natural pigment, the iris contains, the more effective it is at absorbing and filtering light before it reaches the retina. Conversely, someone with light-colored eyes, such as blue or green, has little melanin: their iris therefore allows more light to pass through. As a result, light-colored eyes are often more sensitive to bright light because they filter light rays less effectively, leading to quicker discomfort in direct sunlight. A dark, brown, or black iris acts somewhat like natural sunglasses, better protecting the eye against glare.
Several studies show that people with light-colored eyes (blue, green, gray) experience more glare discomfort than those with dark eyes (brown, black). A study published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science clearly highlights this point: light-colored eyes allow more light to enter the retina, resulting in increased photophobia and discomfort in bright light or sunlight. Other research even indicates that individuals with blue or green eyes more frequently report headaches or a feeling of fatigue after prolonged exposure to bright light. In contrast, darker eyes (rich in melanin) act more like a sort of natural sunscreen, making them less sensitive and more comfortable in a very bright environment.
Did you know that brown eyes, being richer in melanin, generally have a better natural ability to filter bright light, thereby reducing the risk of glare?
Did you know that melanin, the pigment found in the iris that determines eye color, also plays an important role in protecting our eyes from UV rays?
There is a rare phenomenon called heterochromia, where a person has two eyes of different colors. This usually results from a different amount of melanin in each eye.
Even on cloudy days or in winter, UV rays can affect your eyes. Protect yourself with sunglasses suitable for your light sensitivity, especially if you have light-colored eyes.
Although light-colored eyes are generally more sensitive to light, sunglasses equipped with UV filters are strongly recommended for everyone, regardless of their eye color, to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
Yes, light sensitivity can change throughout life. In some individuals, aging leads to a decrease in melanin and pigment density in the eye, potentially increasing their sensitivity to light.
The color of the eyes itself does not cause diseases, but certain eye conditions such as cataracts or macular degeneration may occur more frequently in individuals with less eye pigmentation. It is always important to have your vision checked regularly by a specialist.
Although it is not possible to naturally increase the amount of melanin in your eyes, there are some practical tips: wear sunglasses that provide effective UV protection, avoid extreme exposure situations, and wear a hat or any other means to create shade for your eyes.
Yes, studies indicate that people with blue, green, or gray eyes generally have a higher sensitivity to sunlight. The low amount of melanin in their irises makes these individuals more vulnerable to light rays.
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