Study: Eye Color Linked to Pain Tolerance

It’s a fact that some of us are able to tolerate physical pain much better than others. A lot of factors come into play here, including genetics, body chemistry, and past exposure to pain. But now, a new study has discovered an unusual hint as to why some of us can handle pain better than others – the color of your eyes.

In a 2014 study, scientists observed pain tolerance and the effect of an epidural during childbirth among a group of 58 white pregnant women – 24 with dark-colored eyes (brown or hazel) and 34 with light-colored eyes (blue or green). They found that the women with light eyes were better able to handle pain during childbirth and less likely to suffer post-partum depression and anxiety. The women with dark eyes showed a significantly higher reduction of pain when they received an epidural, which suggests a higher sensitivity to physical pain.

Assessing a patient’s sensitivity to pain is a major factor during medical procedures. Experts in this area of medicine, such as anesthesiologists and pain management specialists, use a variety of genetics “biomarkers” to modify their approach to pain management for each patient. For example, it’s a known fact that those with red hair have a higher tolerance to anesthesia and require a higher dose during surgery.

The results of this study are fascinating, but not definite. Further research is needed to explore the possible link between pain tolerance and eye color in more varied study groups, including men, children, women of different ethnicities, and women who are not pregnant.

The Importance of Eye Health Vitamins

Many eye health vitamins are extremely beneficial for ocular and vision health. Several human clinical trials have indicated that supplementing with a combination of specific, powerful antioxidants, minerals and herbal constituents can have a very positive effect on eye and vision health and overall function.

During our youth, there is a hearty supply of available antioxidants to help protect the eyes – organs which consist of many smaller, delicate organs – from damaging effects of an unstable type of oxygen called free radicals. As we age, the pool of available antioxidants decreases, exposing the eyes to the harmful impact of these free radicals. As a natural reaction to protect itself, the eye is very selective in what it allows inside the cells. The activity of vision production alone releases a large volume of free radicals that can contribute to ocular aging. Many scientific studies have shown the benefits of eye health supplements to support visual acuity and stamina.

Source: http://www.cancercenter.com/discussions/blog/eye-color-may-reveal-your-pain-tolerance/?source=OUTBRAIN

For more information on the importance of Vision Health, read Jerry Hickey, R. Ph’s article, “Vision Health” by clicking here!

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