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Are blue eyes really more sensitive to light?
Thanks for asking.
The idea that light-coloured eyes are generally more fragile is pretty widespread.
They're seen as being less resistant to sunlight and requiring more protection.
According to medical news today, it's estimated that around 8-10 of people in the world have blue eyes.
When our eyes are open, rays of light pass through the pupil, the black opening in the centre of the iris.
As you may know, the pupil dilates when it's dark and contracts in bright light.
When light rays strike the retina, they're captured by photoreceptor cells, like rod cells, which are involved in night vision, and cone cells that enable colour vision, among other things.
What's the function of the iris then?
It protects the retina.
The first layer of the iris, the coloured part, It can be blue, grey, green or brown.
Basically all the eye colours that we're familiar with.
But it's less common knowledge that the iris has a second inner layer which is actually opaque and has the same brown pigmentation for every one.
Our eye colour varies depending on the concentration of melanin in the iris.
Light coloured eyes have less melanin pigments on the first layer.
That doesn't have any impact on the level of protection the second layer gives though, which is the one that makes a difference in protecting our eyes from the sun.
So in fact we're all equally sensitive when it comes to sunlight.
Is sunlight dangerous for the eyes?
If you expose yourself to it without protection.
UV rays from sunlight can cause damage to the lens, which is located behind the iris and focuses images.
The lens converges the rays of light inside the eye to concentrate them on the retina.
Such injuries lead to premature cataracts in particular.
In the short term, UV rays can cause photokeratitis, which is an inflammation of the cornea.
The effects of UV burns include tearing, black or bright spots, blurred vision and pain.
They're not felt immediately, yet they affect the entire eye, the eyelid, retina, cornea and lens.
It's worth knowing that until the age of 12 the lens is completely transparent.
So children's eyes are more sensitive to UV rays.
With age the lens becomes opaque and the protective barrier becomes lighter.
Is wearing sunglasses enough to protect my eyes?
Only if they offer a certain level of protection.
According to Specsaverscouk, they should bear the CE marking, which means they meet the health, safety and environmental requirements of the EU.
They should also have the lens shade category clearly marked on the frame.
That's a number from 0 to 4.
An adult going to the seaside would need 3, while a child would always need 4.
As would an adult visiting a high altitude setting like a mountain.
The best option is to choose well fitted frames with the help of your optician.
They should fit properly and match the shape of your face.
High quality sunglasses filter UV rays through the lens material and reduce glare with their tint.
There you have it.
Now you know whether blue eyes are really more sensitive to light.
In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines.
Listen along and you will really know for sure.
