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Why Are Korean Eyes Different?

Published in Human Evolution 1 min read

Korean eyes, often characterized by an "epicanthic fold," primarily differ due to evolutionary adaptation to cold, bright environments.

This characteristic, also common in other East Asian populations, is largely attributed to the following:

  • Epicanthic Fold: This fold of skin stretches from the upper eyelid to the lower eyelid, covering part of the inner corner of the eye.
  • Reduced Glare: The epicanthic fold is believed to have evolved to provide extra protection from the glare of the sun reflecting off snow and ice, common in colder climates. It effectively reduces the amount of light entering the eye.

In essence, the "difference" in Korean eyes is a result of a natural selection process optimizing vision in environments with intense sunlight and reflective surfaces. This adaptation minimizes sunlight glare, thus enhancing visual clarity and comfort.

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