5 things you didn't know about your eyes

Your eyes are among the most remarkable parts of your body — working tirelessly from the moment you wake until you fall asleep. Yet most of us know surprisingly little about how they actually function. Here are five fascinating facts that might just change the way you see.

Fun facts about the eye

1. Your eyes see the world upside down. When light focuses on your retina, the image lands upside down and inverted. Your brain does the clever work of flipping it the right way up, so you experience the world in its correct orientation without ever noticing.
2. Colour blindness is far more common in men. Males are more likely to be colour blind than females. It occurs when one of the molecules that detect colour in the cone-shaped cells of the retina is absent, making certain shades difficult to tell apart.
3. Brown is the world’s most common eye colour. Up to 80% of people globally have brown eyes. The colour comes from melanin — the more pigment in your iris, the darker your eyes appear.
4. Your eyes have built-in protection. Eyelashes filter dirt and dust before it reaches the surface of the eye, while eyebrows divert sweat away from your eyes. Your tear film adds another layer of defence, washing away debris with every blink.
5. Your eye muscles are incredibly fast. Each eye is controlled by six muscles, and they move faster than any other muscle in your body — letting you shift focus in a fraction of a second.

Looking after your remarkable eyes

As hard-working as they are, your eyes still need care. Long hours on screens, harsh sunlight and dry environments can leave them tired and irritated. Simple habits make a big difference: take regular screen breaks, wear sunglasses with proper UV protection, stay hydrated, and use lubricating eye drops if your eyes feel dry.

For more, read our useful eye care tips or learn why overworked eyes can lead to dryness.