The eyes have it, especially the limbal rings

The eyes have it, especially the limbal rings


You meet someone for the first time, perhaps sizing them up for a possible relationship. Often, the first thing many people notice is the other person’s eyes. Research now shows there’s something in the eyes that instinctively telegraphs to the other person, particularly in women looking at men, that this person could be a keeper.

Have you ever heard of limbal [lim ball] rings? These are the dark rings that separate the iris, the colored part of the eye, from the white area. Studies have shown these rings make the eyes appear more striking to other people. New research at the University of Southern Mississippi has found the effect is much stronger on women, who reported a greater preference for men with defined limbal rings.

Scientists say humans are wired to look for certain qualities when choosing a mate, and the limbal rings are a subtle part of that evaluation. Limbal rings are thicker and darker when a person is young and diminish over time. So, strong limbal rings signal good health and vitality – desirable traits for someone looking for love. The new research found this was especially true among women, who rated men with strong limbal rings healthier and more attractive.

If you’re a guy thinking, how can I beef up my limbals, forget it. There are no exercises or protein shakes that will help. You can, however, buy contact lenses that augment the rings and are marketed as a way to “take years off your face.’’

The researchers did not address their effectiveness. Nor did they say what to do if you wear glasses. But you may want to consider taking off those cool shades when you first meet someone and let your limbals do the talking.

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