What is eye black and why do athletes use it. How effective is eye black in reducing glare and improving vision. What scientific studies have been conducted on eye black’s performance benefits.
The Origins and Purpose of Eye Black in Sports
Eye black, the dark grease or strips applied under athletes’ eyes, has been a common sight in sports for decades. But what exactly is its purpose? Eye black is intended to reduce glare and improve vision for athletes competing outdoors in bright sunlight.
The use of eye black dates back to the 1930s, when baseball legend Babe Ruth began applying grease under his eyes. The practice soon spread to other sports like football and lacrosse. Today, eye black remains ubiquitous among professional and amateur athletes alike.
How Does Eye Black Work?
The theory behind eye black is based on simple physics. Natural skin reflects some light, which can cause glare and impair vision when competing outdoors. By applying a black substance under the eyes, the idea is that more light will be absorbed rather than reflected upwards into the eyes.
This light absorption is thought to reduce glare and make it easier for athletes to track fast-moving objects like baseballs or footballs against a bright sky. Proponents claim eye black improves contrast and visual acuity in sunny conditions.
Scientific Studies on the Effectiveness of Eye Black
While eye black has been used for decades, scientific research on its actual effectiveness is relatively recent. Several studies in the past 20 years have attempted to measure whether eye black provides real visual benefits or is merely a psychological advantage.
Yale University Study (2003)
One of the first rigorous studies on eye black was conducted by researchers at Yale University in 2003. The study, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, compared the effects of eye black grease, anti-glare stickers, and petroleum jelly on visual performance.
The researchers tested 46 participants aged 18-30 for contrast sensitivity with and without glare. The results showed that eye black grease improved contrast sensitivity and was more effective than anti-glare stickers or petroleum jelly.
University of New Hampshire Study (2006)
A 2006 study from the University of New Hampshire tested eye black’s effects on glare reduction and contrast sensitivity. The researchers found that while eye black did not significantly reduce glare, it did improve subjects’ ability to distinguish between light and dark under bright conditions.
Debunking Eye Black Myths: The MythBusters Experiment
The popular TV show MythBusters also tackled the question of eye black effectiveness in one of their episodes. Their experiment aimed to test whether eye black truly reduced glare and improved vision as claimed.
The MythBusters team conducted tests with and without eye black under bright lighting conditions. Their results aligned with some of the scientific studies – they found that eye black did not appear to significantly reduce glare. However, it did seem to improve subjects’ ability to differentiate between light and dark.
Interpreting the MythBusters Results
While the MythBusters experiment was not a rigorous scientific study, its results highlight an important distinction. Eye black may not reduce overall glare, but it could still provide visual benefits by enhancing contrast sensitivity. This nuanced finding reflects the complexity of evaluating eye black’s effectiveness.
Types of Eye Black: Grease vs. Stickers
Athletes have two main options when it comes to applying eye black: traditional grease or adhesive stickers. Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks.
Eye Black Grease
Traditional eye black grease is typically made from a combination of beeswax, paraffin, and carbon. It’s applied directly to the skin and can be easily customized in shape and thickness. Grease tends to stay on better during intense physical activity and sweat.
Eye Black Stickers
Eye black stickers are adhesive strips that can be quickly applied and removed. They offer a cleaner application and are less messy than grease. However, stickers may be more prone to peeling off during play and don’t allow for customized application.
Some scientific studies, like the Yale research mentioned earlier, have suggested that grease may be more effective than stickers in improving visual performance. However, individual preferences and comfort often dictate which type athletes choose to use.
The Psychological Impact of Eye Black
Beyond its potential visual benefits, eye black may also provide psychological advantages to athletes. The act of applying eye black can be part of a pre-game ritual that helps players mentally prepare for competition.
Intimidation Factor
The appearance of eye black can also serve an intimidation purpose. The dark streaks under an athlete’s eyes can create a more fierce, warrior-like appearance. This visual effect might provide a psychological edge against opponents.
Placebo Effect
Even if eye black’s physical benefits are limited, believing it helps could lead to improved performance through the placebo effect. If an athlete feels more confident and focused after applying eye black, it may translate to better play on the field.
Eye Black in Different Sports
While eye black is most commonly associated with football, it’s used across a variety of outdoor sports. Let’s explore how eye black is utilized in different athletic contexts.
Football
Football players at all levels frequently use eye black, from high school to the NFL. The bright stadium lights and need to track the ball against the sky make eye black popular among receivers, quarterbacks, and defensive backs in particular.
Baseball
Baseball was where eye black originated, thanks to Babe Ruth. Outfielders and batters often use eye black to combat the glare from the sun during day games. The need to track high fly balls makes glare reduction especially important in baseball.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse players have adopted eye black use, particularly in outdoor games. The fast-paced nature of the sport and the need to track a small ball make any potential visual advantage valuable.
Other Sports
Eye black has spread to other outdoor sports like softball, field hockey, and even some track and field events. Any athlete competing outdoors in bright conditions might consider using eye black for potential visual or psychological benefits.
The Future of Eye Black: Innovations and Research
As sports science continues to advance, new innovations in eye black technology and further research into its effectiveness are likely to emerge.
High-Tech Alternatives
Some companies are developing high-tech alternatives to traditional eye black. These include specialized contact lenses or visors designed to reduce glare and enhance contrast. As technology improves, we may see more sophisticated solutions for combating glare in sports.
Ongoing Research
While several studies have examined eye black’s effectiveness, many questions remain unanswered. Future research may focus on how eye black affects specific visual tasks relevant to different sports, or how its effectiveness varies under different lighting conditions.
Personalized Solutions
As our understanding of vision science improves, we may see more personalized approaches to glare reduction in sports. This could involve customized eye black formulations or application methods based on an individual athlete’s visual needs and facial structure.
Eye Black Safety and Regulations
As with any substance applied to the skin, there are safety considerations and regulations surrounding the use of eye black in competitive sports.
Ingredient Safety
Most commercial eye black products are made with safe, non-toxic ingredients. However, it’s important for athletes to use products specifically designed for use around the eyes and to avoid any products that may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
League Regulations
Some sports leagues have specific rules regarding eye black use. For example, the NFL has regulations on the size and placement of eye black, and prohibits players from displaying messages or logos in their eye black.
Proper Application and Removal
Athletes should follow proper application and removal procedures to avoid skin irritation or eye contamination. This includes thoroughly cleaning the skin before application and using appropriate makeup removers to take off eye black after games.
In conclusion, eye black remains a popular tool among athletes for potentially reducing glare and improving visual performance. While scientific studies have shown mixed results regarding its effectiveness in reducing glare, there is evidence that it may improve contrast sensitivity. The psychological benefits of eye black should not be overlooked, as they may contribute to improved athletic performance. As research continues and new technologies emerge, we may gain a clearer understanding of eye black’s role in sports and see innovations in glare reduction techniques. Regardless of its measurable benefits, eye black has become an iconic part of many sports, symbolizing an athlete’s preparation and determination to perform at their best.
Why so Many Athletes Wear Black Marks Under Their Eyes
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Following is a transcript of your video.
Why do football players wear black stripes under their eyes?
It’s a phenomenon called “eye black.”
Natural skin absorbs some light, but reflects the rest. This reflection can cause glare and impair vision. Black stripes are supposed to prevent this by absorbing all of the light. This makes it easier to track the ball in midair.
Eye black is also common in baseball and lacrosse. In fact, one of the first people to wear it was Babe Ruth.
But the big question is : Does it actually work?
Babe Ruth began the trend back in the ’30s but the first scientific analysis didn’t turn up until 2003.
Since then, a few small studies have tackled the topic.
The MythBusters even did their own test.
The verdict? While eye black does not appear to reduce glare, it does improve the ability to differentiate between light and dark.
The results have raised another question. Does this ability actually enhance athletic performance? That’s a mystery still waiting to be solved.
In the meantime, athletes can don their black stripes proudly.
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Following is a transcript of your video.
Why do football players wear black stripes under their eyes?
It’s a phenomenon called “eye black.”
Natural skin absorbs some light, but reflects the rest. This reflection can cause glare and impair vision. Black stripes are supposed to prevent this by absorbing all of the light. This makes it easier to track the ball in midair.
Eye black is also common in baseball and lacrosse. In fact, one of the first people to wear it was Babe Ruth.
But the big question is : Does it actually work?
Babe Ruth began the trend back in the ’30s but the first scientific analysis didn’t turn up until 2003. Since then, a few small studies have tackled the topic.
The MythBusters even did their own test.
The verdict? While eye black does not appear to reduce glare, it does improve the ability to differentiate between light and dark.
The results have raised another question. Does this ability actually enhance athletic performance? That’s a mystery still waiting to be solved.
In the meantime, athletes can don their black stripes proudly.
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Eye Black Grease More Effective at Reducing Glare and Improving Visual Contrast than Anti-Glare Stickers, Yale Researchers Find
July 17, 2003
by Karen Peart
Eye black grease, a combination of beeswax and pigment used by many athletes to combat sun glare, provides better contrast sensitivity than anti-glare stickers, Yale researchers have found.
“Eye black grease appears to be more than just psychological war paint,” said principal investigator Brian M. DeBroff, M.D., assistant professor of ophthalmology at Yale School of Medicine. “When we started this study, we weren’t expecting to find any type of anti-glare properties or any improvement in visual contrast with eye black grease, but it made improvements in both these areas and was more effective than other products.”
Published in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, the study examined if eye black grease or anti-glare stickers improved contrast sensitivity during sunlight exposure. DeBroff and his co-author Patricia J. Pahk, M.D., looked at 46 students, aged 18 to 30, for contrast sensitivity with and without anti-glare products. Each participant served as an internal control by initially being tested without anti-glare products and then again after being randomized to one of three groups that used either eye black grease, anti-glare stickers, or petroleum jelly placebo during direct and unobstructed sunlight exposure.
“There was no improvement in contrast sensitivity as compared to control with either anti-glare stickers or petroleum jelly,” said DeBroff. “Based on these results, eye black grease does appear to have antiglare properties, whereas anti-glare stickers do not.”
DeBroff said there was a roughly one level of sensitivity improvement between no products vs. eye black grease, according to the Pelli-Robson chart, a tool used to measure contrast sensitivity.
Eye black grease and no-glare stickers have been used by professional baseball and football players for decades to reduce glare from sunlight and stadium lighting. These light sources can affect an athlete’s ability to see detail and sensitivity to contrast. Previous studies have shown that the higher an athlete’s sensitivity to contrast, the better he or she can see an object as its speed increases.
“Even earlier, players used to smear burnt cork on their cheeks,” said DeBroff. “No study has ever been conducted to ascertain its effectiveness and determine if it merely represents an aggressive look or psychological advantage.
“
DeBroff said anti-glare stickers, which are patented fabric materials, have become more popular because they don’t smear and some are manufactured with team logos. His results show there is no benefit to their use.
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Karen N. Peart
203-432-1326
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Submitted by Liz Pantani on September 19, 2012
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Why do football players need plastic masks? | Sports | Free time
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This protection is very strong. Photo from open sources
- I noticed that some players are wearing plastic masks on the pitch.
Do they protect against injury? Or are they worn to “intimidate” an opponent?
Do they protect against injury? Or are they worn to “intimidate” an opponent? D. Svetlov, Mozyr
A protective mask is needed during the recovery period after an injury to the nose, jaw, head, to reduce the risk of new injuries, there are no aesthetic goals in such equipment. Such masks are made of carbon fiber or other polymers, such materials sometimes even surpass steel in strength characteristics, so this is really strong protection, but at the same time light in weight.
Such polymers are built from a large number of microscopic threads, and the load is evenly distributed over a large area, which not only makes the material durable, but also allows you to “quench” the energy of strong impacts. In addition, due to their relative softness, carbon masks are also safe for other players – if the opponents collide with their heads, then the mask will not cause additional damage to either the masked player or his opponent.
Also, some masks have soft polymer linings, which additionally absorbs some of the impact energy and makes the mask more comfortable.
Another example is an elbow strike. As a rule, with such an impact, a lot of energy falls on one small point, which is why the risk of injury is very high. The mask, on the other hand, takes on part of the impact, and also distributes this energy over a larger area, which makes it easier to transfer it and avoid serious consequences.
These masks are used not only by football players. For example, you can often see basketball players in them. However, in one of the strongest leagues in the world – the National Basketball Association (NBA) – there is a strange ban: players cannot go to the game in a black mask, but only in a transparent one. Representatives of the League explained this rule by saying that the black mask supposedly gives an advantage – the opponent does not see where the player’s eyes are directed in dark ammunition, and in basketball this is very important.
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Black face paint and bananas: a racist scandal in Sochi before the Confederations Cup
Vladislav Voronin – with a revealing story about the stupidity of Russian officials.
At the end of May and beginning of June, everyone was so wrapped up in worshiping Real Madrid for the Champions League that they could miss a rather awkward moment from Sochi. A bright and massive city carnival took place there – in order to connect it with the upcoming Confederations Cup, the organizers dressed several people in costumes associated with the national teams who will come to Sochi for at least one match. Thus was born the image of the Cameroonian: a national team jersey, black painted face, black curly hair, a bunch of bananas attached to the body.
An important detail: the procession was led by Sochi Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov, so the juicy photo, which shows that the dark face is like paint, quickly found its way into all the big Western newspapers – from the Daily Mail to The Washington Post. Still: almost a month before the tournament in Russia, and here it is.
The photo was originally posted on Twitter by Nigerian journalist Lolade Adewui, who studies in Sochi.
It almost became a PR disaster for the city. The Guardian newspaper immediately wrote about the problem of racism in Russian football – in particular, the Hulk’s complaint about the regularity of such antics among fans was mentioned.
Adewui himself first sent a disrespectful letter to the Sochi mayor’s office, as he felt that the city lacked experience in communicating with Africans. He noted that if there are several universities in Krasnodar where Africans study, then in Sochi he is still regularly stopped on the streets with a request to take a picture. “I decided to write to the city administration so that those responsible for this carnival receive reprimands, so that educational work can begin,” he said.
Adewui later told AP that he didn’t think the black makeup was being used for racism, it was more of a carelessness and a misunderstanding of how perception works in the West: “They don’t understand that it can be perceived as a problem if you paint black face and add a banana to it.
They don’t see it.”
The press service of the Sochi administration explained that the carnival participants portrayed representatives of different continents and the whole action was supposed to show Russia’s tolerant attitude towards world traditions. But as the mayor of Sochi said, “one of the participants was let down by an elementary sense of taste.”
To make amends for the scandal, Sochi Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov invited Lolade Adewui to a meeting.
“I am very sorry that your feelings were hurt, but I want to assure you that this isolated incident in no way characterizes the multinational Sochi and its residents, who have always been distinguished by hospitality and tolerance,” the mayor said.
Adewui replied that he was happy to be in Russia, but it was important for him that there were no misunderstandings in such matters. “We want to not be associated with who we were 200 years ago, when we were presented only as black people with bananas. I like everything in Sochi, very sincere people.
