"A dark iris blocks more ultraviolet light," explains Christopher Quinn, OD, president of Omni Eye Services in Iselin, New Jersey, and secretary-treasurer of the American Optometric Association.
The risk of macular degeneration is increased when exposed to UV rays. The retinas of persons with light-colored irises may age more quickly if they are exposed to brighter light.
Blue-eyed kids were more likely to have moles than those lacking the gene. (A person's lifetime chance of developing melanoma is correlated with the number of moles they have as a youngster.)
Other studies have shown that those with blue or green eyes are more prone to develop ocular melanomas due to a lack of pigment that acts as a natural sunscreen.
Quinn recommends that everyone, regardless of eye colour, use sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UV radiation or UV-absorbent contact lenses.
The retinas of persons with light-colored irises may age more quickly if they are exposed to brighter light.