Most people tend to think of eye color as a purely cosmetic variation between one another. Whether it’s blue, brown, green, or hazel – we assume our eye color doesn’t affect our eye health. However, that’s not the case. If you have lighter colored eyes or darker colored eyes, you’ll process light a little differently – and both have some advantages and disadvantages. Here’s how:
- Light and UV Light
It’s a common saying that light colored eyes are more sensitive to light than dark eyes, and this isn’t just a myth. Your eye color is dependent on how much melanin is in your eye. The more melanin in your eye, the darker it is, and the more light is blocked. On the other side of the spectrum, having lighter colored eyes means you have less melanin in your eyes, and more light can travel in. People with darker eyes have more protection against glare and harmful UV rays than people with blue or light hazel eyes. But whether you have light eyes or dark eyes, always do everything you can to protect your eyes from UV rays when you are outside!
- Low Light Conditions and Glare
Knowing that light eyes let in more light than dark eyes, it would make sense that light eyes would have increased capacity for night vision compared to dark eyes, right? While some ophthalmologists claim people with lighter eyes can potentially have better night vision, it is still debated whether or not light eyes have a significant advantage here. What is certain is that light colored eyes are still more vulnerable to glare. So light eyed people may experience more eye strain and have a harder time seeing during illuminated activities in the dark, such as nighttime driving or even just watching TV or a movie in a dark room. If you have light eyes, be sure to take actions to reduce eye strain from glare – and make sure to protect your eyes when driving at night!
While eye color might not have a direct impact on how well you see, having lighter eyes definitely leaves you more vulnerable to UV light and glare, so always make sure you take precautions to protect your vision in the long term. One of the best ways to protect your vision is to get regular vision exams and make sure you wear the right corrective lenses (if you need them). If you are looking to save money on your next vision exam, check out our FREE tip sheet below!