Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Your Eyes

Your eyes perform complex processes to provide your sense of sight. This is one of the reasons that make them some of the most interesting organs in your body. Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry, your provider of reliable cataracts treatment and other eye care services, shares fascinating facts you may not know about your eyes.

Your Eye Muscles Are Some of the Most Active in Your Body

Your ocular muscles blink your eyes roughly 28,000 times each day. Each blink lasts around a tenth of a second, which is equivalent to 30 minutes per day.

Color Blindness Is Not Exclusive to Males

While color blindness commonly affects males, experts reveal that women can be affected by this condition, too. It’s also noteworthy that color blindness doesn’t mean seeing in black and white. Having difficulties distinguishing one color from another is a more accurate description of this vision disorder.

Blue-Eyed Individuals Most Likely Have the Same Ancestor

Your eye doctor explains that all humans may have originally had brown eyes. It was only until 7,000 years ago when a genetic mutation, specifically the OCA2 gene codes, caused a Mesolithic individual to have blue eyes. Since blue eyes only involve a small degree of melanin variation, this led to the conclusion that blue-eyed persons most likely have the same ancestor.

Eyes Heal Quickly

Your eye tissues generally repair themselves quickly. With proper nutrition and care, a corneal scratch can heal within 48 hours. This is also one of the reasons individuals who undergo LASIK are able to see clearly as early as a day after the surgery.

The Retina Causes Red Eyes in Photographs

When you have your picture taken, the light bounces off the retina, giving you red eyes. This is especially apparent if you used a flash when capturing the scene.

Using Proper Sports Eyewear Can Reduce Your Risk of Injuries

Did you know that around 100,000 sports eye injuries are reported each year? This is why your sports vision training specialist emphasizes the need to use safety eyewear when playing. Doing so can prevent up to 90% of potential sports eye accidents.

Contact us to learn more about your eyes.  You can reach us at (703) 573-1200 at our Falls Church office. You may complete our form to schedule a visit with any of our other locations. We serve residents in Falls Church and nearby Virginia areas.