This document summarizes a study that examined how the color of the sclera (white part of the eye) changes with age and how that impacts perceptions of age, health, and attractiveness. The study involved two parts: first, examining photographs of 286 Caucasian women aged 20-70 to analyze how sclera color changed with age; second, having participants view and rate manipulated photographs of faces of different ages to see if sclera color impacts perceptions. The study found that sclera color does become redder and yellower with age, likely due to sun exposure and health issues, and this does influence how old and healthy faces appear. However, the results may only apply to Caucasian faces and not

1. Running head: EFFECTS OF THE AGE ON THE EYES 1
Effects of Age on the Eyes
Dawn M. Gibson
University of the Rockies

2. EFFECTS OF AGE ON THE EYES 2
Abstract
In the article, of the study done, Sclera color changes with age and is a cue for perceiving age,
health, and beauty, studies were done to see if aging had an effect on the sclera. There were two
studies done. 286 healthy Caucasian people were used at different age ranges. This was done as
the eyes are one feature that attracts us to one another. (Russell, R., Sweda, J. R., Porcheron, A.,
& Mauger, E., 2014). Does light, green, blue, really mean they are younger? Does darker, redder,
or yellow mean one may be ill?

3. EFFECTS OF AGE ON THE EYES 3
Effects of Aging on the Eyes
The article chosen is Sclera color changes with age and is a cue for perceiving age, health,
and beauty, by Russell, R., Sweda, J. R., Porcheron, A., & Mauger, E. (2014). The hypothesis is
9 pages long, there were two studies done, to prove or disprove their hypothesis. The age group
varied and covers these areas.
 Adulthood (18 & older)
 Young (18-29)
 Thirties (30-39)
 Middle Aged (40-64)
 Aged (65 and older)
There is a saying that the eyes are the window to our soul. This may be much truer than people
realize. The eyes has been a source some people and veterinarians have used as one clue of what
is wrong with their clients. Blood has been seen in the eye are tail signs of some issues going on
inside. Some doctors and veterinarians can detect serious issues when observing the eyes. The
Russell, Sweda, Porcheron, and Mauger, 2014, study explains; if people or professionals pay
attention and evaluate the sclera, they would have a better clue as to find an illness we may be
looking for.
What is the Hypothesis?
Russell, Sweda, Porcheron, and Mauger had two hypotheses:
Study 1 was to see if the sclera coloration changes with age, using it with other obvious
clues like wrinkles, sagging and thinning skin.

4. EFFECTS OF AGE ON THE EYES 4
Study 2 was to see if the sclera coloration plays a role in the perception of age, health and
attractiveness.
Since dark, red or yellow in the sclera can be a sign of inside trouble these studies were
done. Yellow pigment is associated with Liver issues, and reddish is associated with blood
restriction, like allergies, fatigue, or infections.
Study 1
286 Caucasian women 20-70 years had their pictures taken. 60 of these had redder or
yellowish sclera’s. “Whiteness” of the sclera decreased with age, yellow caused by conjunctiva
due to too much sun exposure. The older woman had more redness and yellowish sclera than the
younger woman.
Study 2
30 full face images from the 286 used:
 10 faces (23-23 yrs.)
 10 faces (35-44)
 10 faces (45-59)
Faces were all neutral expressions. This group was manipulated with lights; they
were grouped according to eye color. Adobe Photoshop was used.
27 Gettysburg College student gained credit for participation.
40 adults from the community were paid $10.
Positive was no relationship between age and the Iris. Iris coloration rarely changes once
adulthood is reached.
Negative as detecting gaze direction of older faces, are not known.

5. EFFECTS OF AGE ON THE EYES 5
Conclusion
Russell, Sweda, Porcheron, and Maugers’ hypothesis was partially right. As we get older
our bodies change, the eyes are no different. The eyes however, can tell if we have liver issues,
as our eyes will be a yellow tint. The reddish is a clue to issue with our blood, as blood is
restricted our value fill with blood. However, the normal color of our eyes, the iris does not
necessary change after we become adults. When we are born our eyes are all blue, as we grow
about 3-6 months our eyes change to become what color they will be when we are old.. The
theory that older faces are know because they have darker, redder, or yellow eyes is based on
Caucasians and not multi races. It was also done with mainly female.

6. EFFECTS OF AGE ON THE EYES 6
References
COPD Foundation. (2015) Coping with COPD. Retrieved from
http://www.copdfoundation.org/What-is-COPD/Living-with-COPD/Coping-with-COPD.aspx
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). COPD. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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20032017
Russell, R., Sweda, J. R., Porcheron, A., & Mauger, E. (2014). Sclera color changes with age and
is a cue for perceiving age, health, and beauty. Psychology and Aging, 29(3), 626-635.
doi:10.1037/a0036142