Neuroscience Insights: Advances in Brain Studies (ISSN: 3071-0138)
Open Access | DOI: 10.64978/NIABS
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Eye Colour, Ocular Straylight and Visual Stress: Exploring Potential Associations with Visual Discomfort and Cortical Processing

Michelle Lansdowne*

Received : October 22, 2026 | Published : November 11, 2026

Citation: Lansdowne M. Eye Colour, Ocular Straylight and Visual Stress: Exploring Potential Associations with Visual Discomfort and Cortical Processing. Neurosci Insights Adv Brain Stud. 2026;2(4):1-3. doi: 10.64978/niabs.2026.11110112

Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s). Published by SCIVOLVE.

License: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) , which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided appropriate credit is given to the original author(s) and the source, a link to the Creative Commons licence is provided, and any changes made are indicated.

Abstract

Visual stress is associated with visual discomfort, perceptual distortions and sensitivity to particular visual environments. Although research has investigated the optical characteristics of the eye and the role of visual cortical processing, the potential relationship between eye colour, ocular straylight and the lived experience of visual stress remains largely unexplored. This article proposes that these areas warrant investigation together. Existing research indicates that iris pigmentation may influence ocular straylight, while separate studies suggest that visual discomfort is associated with individual differences in visual processing. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to establish whether these findings are connected to visual stress. This exploratory review examines the rationale for investigating these potential associations, identifies important limitations in current knowledge and proposes a research agenda. It argues that interdisciplinary studies combining objective optical measurements with validated assessments of visual hypersensitivity and self-reported experience could help determine whether eye colour or straylight contributes to particular dimensions of visual discomfort. Rather than proposing a causal explanation, the article seeks to encourage empirical research into a potentially overlooked aspect of visual stress.

Keywords: eye colour; iris pigmentation; ocular straylight; visual stress; visual discomfort; visual hypersensitivity; visual cortex; lived experience.

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