True or False?
Lighter-colored Eyes are More Sensitive to Sunlight than Dark Eyes
Do you think all eyes react to sunlight the same way? Or, do you think light eyes are more sensitive to the sun than dark eyes? If you have blue, green or hazel eyes, you may catch yourself squinting in bright light more often than your brown-eyed friends. You may have a more extensive sunglasses collection, too! Our Visionworks team is answering the question once and for all. Are blue eyes more sensitive to light than brown eyes? Let’s look at what light sensitivity is, the damaging effects of UV rays, why some eye colors are more sensitive to sunlight than others and how to protect your eyes in bright light conditions.
What is Light Sensitivity or Photophobia?
Light sensitivity or photophobia is an intolerance to bright light, including sunlight, fluorescent light and blue light from screens. Symptoms of photophobia include discomfort, squinting and even headaches. People with lighter eye colors may be more prone to light sensitivity than people with darker eyes, because lighter eyes contain less pigment to protect the eyes from bright lighting. In most cases, photophobia can be addressed by simply wearing sunglasses, blue light computer glasses and staying out of harsh lighting. However, if symptoms continue, it could be a sign of an underlying condition needing treatment. Always make sure to consult with your eye doctor and bring up any light sensitivity concerns during your annual eye exam.
What are the Damaging Effects of Ultraviolet Light on the Eyes?
Ultraviolet light from the sun and even blue light from screens can damage the eyes over time, especially if your eyes are more sensitive to light. If you are experiencing discomfort, squinting and headaches, your eyes are telling you that it’s time to protect them! Here are three eye conditions that can result from too much exposure to harsh light rays.
Photokeratitis or Eye Sunburn
Photokeratitis results from direct exposure to harmful UVA/UVB rays from the sun. The sun’s rays can cause “eye sunburn” on the cornea’s surface, leading to redness, irritation, headaches and even temporary vision loss.
Cataracts
Cataracts develop over years of direct UV exposure. Harmful UV rays cause the protein of the eye’s lens to cloud and prevent light from passing through properly. This clouding leads to blurred vision.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the wearing down of the macula, a small portion of the retina. The retina receives light signals and converts them to visual recognition. Increased exposure to UV light can flood the retina with harsh light and speed up the process of macular degeneration, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness.
Light Eyes are More Sensitive to Sunlight than Dark Eyes. Here’s Why.
Now we know what light sensitivity is and why UV rays can be harmful to the eyes, but why are light eyes more sensitive to sunlight than dark eyes?
Light Eyes Have Less Protective Pigment
Light eyes are more sensitive to the sun because they have less protective melanin pigment than dark eyes. The melanin pigment in the eye is similar to melanin in the skin. While this pigment is responsible for dictating eye and skin color, it also absorbs UV light and protects the human body from damaging rays. Since light eye colors like blue are made up of less melanin pigment, less protection is offered, resulting in higher light sensitivity.
Light Eyes Are More Susceptible to UV Damage
Light eyes are more susceptible to UV damage than dark eyes. Since blue, green and hazel eyes are made up of less protective pigment than brown eyes, additional protection is needed to shield the eyes from harmful UV rays.
Blue Eyes Are More Sensitive to the Sun than Brown Eyes
But Everyone Should Wear Sunglasses
Even though light eyes are more sensitive to sunlight than dark eyes, everyone benefits from wearing high-quality sunglasses. While brown eyes contain more protective melanin pigment, they are still susceptible to eye sunburn and long-term damage.
The Benefits of Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun
No matter your eye color, everyone benefits from protecting their eyes from the sun. Here are three of the main benefits of wearing high-quality sunglasses.
Block Damaging UV Rays
High-quality sunglasses with full-spectrum UV protection protect your eyes from high-energy visible light rays that can burn your eyes. Make sure you are protecting your eyes from harm!
Reduce the Risk of Eye Disease
High-quality sunglasses help reduce the risk of photokeratitis and developing other eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration down the road.
See Clearly without Sensitivity
One of the most significant advantages of high-quality sunglasses is that they provide clear and protected vision when spending time outdoors. Say goodbye to squinting and sensitivity and hello to enjoying sunny days ahead!
How to Protect Your Eyes with Visionworks
At Visionworks, our team of vision experts makes it easy to protect your eyes from damaging light rays from both the sun and screens with a wide selection of sunglasses, protective lenses and personalized care.
High-quality Sunglasses
Shop our wide selection of high-quality sunglasses online! Our online store carries all your favorite brands—and you can wear your sunglasses with confidence, knowing they provide full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Smart Screen Lenses
Our Smart Screen lenses filter up to 45% of damaging blue light rays from computer screens, phones and televisions. Enjoy your favorite devices without worrying about digital eye strain or discomfort.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor
Make an appointment for your next annual eye exam with a Visionworks eye doctor near you. Our online portal makes it easy to book your appointment and our expert staff can assess your vision needs and address any concerns you may have about light sensitivity.
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
