The primary benefit of eye black is to reduce glare by minimizing the amount of light reflecting off the cheekbones, thereby improving visual acuity, especially in bright sunlight.
Essentially, eye black works by decreasing the perceived glare in the sky. Here's a breakdown:
- Reduces Glare: Eye black absorbs and diffuses light that would otherwise reflect into an athlete's eyes. According to Black Lab Sports, it "reduces the amount of light reflecting off the cheek, reducing perceived glare in the sky."
- Improves Visual Acuity: By minimizing glare, athletes can track objects and make decisions faster and more accurately during games. Glare compromises vision and decreases valuable decision-making time.
While some suggest eye black is primarily psychological, the principle of reducing reflected light remains the scientifically supported benefit.
