Causes & Risk Factors Of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Specific Eye Colors

Eye closeup. Photo Credit: FindATopDoc @Peter P

Individuals who have specific eye colors are at higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. The eye color, hair color, and skin tone of an individual are determined by how much melanin or pigment is present in their eyes, skin, and hair. Melanin is important because it is a defense mechanism used by the skin cells to deflect harmful ultraviolet rays away from healthy tissues. This mechanism is why an individual with no sun protection will form a tan in the sun.

Melanin becomes activated in the skin when it is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun to protect the cells from damage. An individual with light skin has less overall melanin present in their body than those who have darker skin. Individuals with gray, green, or blue eyes are more likely to be fair skinned with a lighter hair color than individuals who have darker eyes. Because melanin offers protection to the skin cells, individuals with a lighter eye color who have less of it are at a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.

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