Out on the water, exposure to intense sunlight is often unavoidable. For individuals with blue or green eyes, this exposure can be particularly uncomfortable due to reduced natural protection against visible light, UV and glare. If you have light-coloured and sensitive eyes, this post is for you.
What's the Deal with Light Coloured Eyes?
• Blue and green eyes have much less melanin than brown or darker eyes. This allows more visible light and UV to pass through to the retina.
• Green eyes are rare, found in only about 2% of the global population.
• All blue-eyed individuals share a common ancestor from between 6-10,000 years ago in Northern Europe.
• The perceived colour of blue or green eyes can change with lighting conditions due to what is known as the Tyndall effect.
• Light-eyed individuals have greater sensitivity to sunlight and a higher risk of photophobia.
Melanin is a pigment that gives colour to our skin, hair, and eyes. For those of us with blue or green eyes, the genes responsible for melanin production instruct a reduced amount of this pigment to form in the iris. This reduction in melanin makes the eyes more vulnerable and susceptible to the effects of both visible light and UV.
The iris of the eye is not in fact coloured, but rather reflects and scatters light in a way which makes them appear to be the colour you are seeing. Blue eyes for example have minimal melanin in the stroma (the front layer of the iris) so more light is scattered and reflected outward, especially blue light – creating the striking blue iris colour.
Sunglasses are Essential Equipment, Not Accessories
While blue and green eyes are striking in appearance, they lack the natural melanin shield against intense sunlight. The more melanin, the better protection from the sun. On open water, where reflections amplify exposure, this vulnerability becomes even more pronounced. Without adequate protection, discomfort can quickly escalate and can ruin an otherwise great session.
Whether surfing, kiteboarding, winging, or sailing, your eyewear should be an indispensable weapon against the elements.
To maximise protection, we recommend polarized lenses to cut out 99% of reflected glare, a low VLT (visible light transmission) rate of between 10-11%, a wraparound fit that minimises light leakage at the sides and bottom of the frame and of course a secure tethering system so that your eyes are continually covered and protected during your session. We’ve hand-picked a selection of watershades that are ideal for sensitive eyes…
Polarized
SURGE
Frame Colour: Matt Black
Lens Base Colour: Smoke
Mirror Colour: Chroma
Visible Light Transmission: 10.2%
Weather: Bright / Sunny
Contrast: Standard
Polarized
SURGE
Frame Colour: Gloss Trans Grey
Lens Base Colour: Smoke
Mirror Colour: Chroma
Visible Light Transmission: 10.2%
Weather: Bright / Sunny
Contrast: Standard
Polarized
SURGE
Frame Colour: Gloss Black
Lens Base Colour: Smoke
Mirror Colour: Chroma
Visible Light Transmission: 10.2%
Weather: Bright / Sunny
Contrast: Standard
Non-Polarized
SURGE
Frame Colour: Gloss Black
Lens Base Colour: Copper Smoke
Mirror Colour: Silver
Visible Light Transmission: 10%
Weather: Very Bright
Contrast: Enhanced
Polarized
TYPHOON
Frame Colour: Gloss White
Lens Base Colour: Smoke
Mirror Colour: Methane
Visible Light Transmission: 11.1%
Weather: Bright / Sunny
Contrast: Standard
Polarized
TYPHOON
Frame Colour: Matt Trans Grey
Lens Base Colour: Smoke
Mirror Colour: Methane
Visible Light Transmission: 11.1%
Weather: Bright / Sunny
Contrast: Standard
Polarized
TYPHOON
Frame Colour: Gloss Black
Lens Base Colour: Smoke
Mirror Colour: Methane
Visible Light Transmission: 11.1%
Weather: Bright / Sunny
Contrast: Standard
Polarized
TYPHOON
Frame Colour: Matt Black
Lens Base Colour: Violet
Mirror Colour: Pacific Blue
Visible Light Transmission: 9.95%
Weather: Very Bright
Contrast: Enhanced
