Why do some people’s eyes water more than others, even on a sunny day?
Weymouth, Mass. – A crisp November wind didn’t deter Ginger Gonsalves and Becky Kelliher from enjoying a sun-drenched afternoon outdoors. The pair strolled through Gonsalves’ backyard, seemingly unbothered by the chilly air, but Gonsalves quickly voiced a familiar frustration.
“I don’t know why my eyes water like crazy,” Gonsalves said as they ventured into the yard.
Kelliher offered a simple explanation with a laugh: “It’s because you have light eyes.”
The Link Between Eye Color and Tearing
While Kelliher’s observation might seem like a playful jab, there’s a kernel of truth to it. Individuals with lighter eye colors, such as blue or green, are often more sensitive to light and may experience increased tearing compared to those with darker eyes. This sensitivity stems from the amount of melanin present in the iris.
Melanin is the pigment responsible for eye color, skin tone, and hair color. Those with less melanin—typically those with lighter eyes—have less protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This increased sensitivity can trigger the lacrimal glands to produce more tears, acting as a natural defense mechanism to shield the eye from irritation.
The sun’s glare reflecting off surfaces can also exacerbate this effect, prompting the eyes to water even on cloudy days. The body’s natural response is to flush out any potential irritants with tears.
- People with lighter-colored eyes tend to be more sensitive to light.
- Less melanin in the iris means less protection from UV rays.
- Increased light sensitivity can lead to more tear production.
- Sun glare can worsen tearing, even on overcast days.
Beyond eye color, several other factors can contribute to watery eyes, including allergies, dry eye syndrome, and even certain medications. If excessive tearing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, redness, or blurred vision, it’s important to consult an eye care professional.
But for Gonsalves and Kelliher, a little bit of watering wasn’t enough to spoil a pleasant November afternoon.
