We often don’t think about our eyes until something goes wrong. But when you learn more about your eyes, you see how incredible they truly are. Here are 10 surprising eye facts you probably never knew — plus tips on protecting your vision and seeking treatment for common eye conditions.
1. Your Eyes Can Get Sunburned (and Skin Cancer, Too)
One of the most surprising facts is that your eyes can suffer from sunburn, a condition called photokeratitis. Excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure can even temporarily blind you. Long-term exposure without protection increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma, especially on the lower eyelids.
Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses that block 99% of UVA and UVB rays — and make sun protection a habit for children, too.
2. Your Tears Do Much More Than Show Emotion
Another of the surprising eye facts: your tears don’t just reflect how you feel. They protect and nourish your eyes. Dry eye occurs when you don’t produce enough tears or when they evaporate too quickly. This can lead to itching, redness, blurred vision, and discomfort.
Tip: Chronic dry eye requires evaluation by an eye doctor to identify the cause and determine the best treatment.
3. Cataract Surgery is Like Science Fiction
Among the most surprising eye facts is how modern cataract surgery works. Laser technology creates a tiny incision to remove the cloudy lens, replacing it with a clear, artificial one. It’s quick, precise, and life-changing.
4. Your Diet Can Protect Your Vision
Certain foods can help maintain healthy eyes. Eggs, leafy greens, oily fish, and nuts provide nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc — all important for vision health.
5. Blindness Comes in Many Forms
Did you know legal blindness includes a wide range of vision levels? Some people labeled legally blind can still read or navigate daily life. Anyone whose best-corrected vision is 20/200 or worse in their better eye qualifies.
6. Good Vision Often Declines with Age
One of the surprising eye facts is that many people experience vision changes in their 40s and beyond. Conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are on the rise. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference.
Tip: Regular eye exams help catch problems early so you can take steps to protect your vision.
7. Your Eye Color Can Reveal Health Risks
Eye color is more than cosmetic. People with light-colored eyes have a higher risk for certain cancers, like melanoma. Eyes that change color could signal health issues, including pigmentary glaucoma.
8. Specialized Eye Surgery Can Improve More Than Vision
Oculoplastic surgery can restore both function and appearance, especially after trauma or health issues affect the eye area.
9. Your Skin Could Help Repair Your Retina
Regenerative medicine has made it possible to grow retinal tissue from skin cells — an exciting potential treatment for macular degeneration.
10. There’s No Such Thing as an Eyeball Transplant
Although people can donate their eyes, transplants involve only parts like the cornea. Corneal transplants can restore vision and relieve eye pain in people with corneal disease.
Protect Your Vision — Schedule an Eye Exam Today
These surprising eye facts show how remarkable — and vulnerable — your eyes are. Routine eye exams play a vital role in protecting your sight, detecting conditions early, and helping you enjoy clear vision for years to come.
Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Schedule an eye exam today with Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center and take the first step toward lifelong eye health.