Couples don’t always see things eye to eye but it has nothing to do with personality. Studies have shown that men and women physiologically view the world in different ways. It all has to do with how our brains are wired and may have its roots in human history.
Men
How men see things may go back to the caveman days. Men are more able to perceive small details and are much better at visually tracking moving objects. This ability is believed to be the result of the development of neurons in the visual cortex which are advanced by male hormones. Men are known to have 25% more of these neurons in that region of the brain. Scientists believe it may be an evolutionary trait tracing back to when men were hunters and their eyesight was naturally adapted to better track their prey.
Women
In the old days women were the gatherers. Perhaps that is why they enjoyed better peripheral vision. It made it easier for them to spot more static items like wild berries.
Women are better able to distinguish between colors too. For women, the sky is bluer and the grass is greener while for men the line is not so clear. This is thought to be because color perception depends on the three cones in the visual system which are stimulated by wavelengths of light. Men require a longer wavelength than women to discern the same hue. Women have two X chromosomes to men’s one, making them less susceptible to color blindness.
Israel Abramov, a professor at CUNY’s Brooklyn College, has done extensive research in the differences between how men and women see things and perceive color. Despite his theories about biological reasons, it still remains inconclusive whether cultural influences are also a factor.
Michigan Eye Institute has helped thousands of people attain better vision. If you’re concerned about your color perception or have general questions, schedule an appointment to speak with one of our eye doctors in Lapeer, Grand Blanc, Flint, Oxford, or Fenton.
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