Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Luvo on 01/10/2011 18:01:02

Title: Does eye colour affect visual acuity?
Post by: Luvo on 01/10/2011 18:01:02

Luvo asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Is it true that people with blue eyes see better in the dark?

What do you think?

Title: Does eye colour affect visual acuity?
Post by: RD on 01/10/2011 20:05:49

Exposing a photographic film to a little non-image-forming light, aka “fogging the film”,
 can increase its sensitivity and allow photography in lower light levels.

If blue irises permit more  non-image-forming light to enter the eye than brown eyes,
that could raise the threshold of low light visibility, similar to fogging film.

If that is the case the downside would be increased glare for blue-eyed persons in bright light conditions ...

Quote

The darker the eyes, the more light is absorbed as light waves pass through the eye, and the less light is available to reflect within the eye. Light reflection (scatter) within the eye can cause susceptibility to glare (eg. sun or headlights) and to poor contrast discernment. Thus it seems that people with darker eyes may have better vision in high-glare situations – perhaps this makes them better night drivers, for example.

http://eccentricscientist.wordpress.com/2007/03/02/do-brown-eyes-see-better-than-blue/

Title: Does eye colour affect visual acuity?
Post by: Dr.Abdullah on 07/10/2011 15:00:11

I have heard that lighter colored eyes run a higher risk of cataracts. Although i cannot confirm.