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Tommi Pinta [fi], a Finnish player of American football, wearing eye black

Eye black is a grease or strip applied under the eyes to reduce glare, although studies have not conclusively proven its effectiveness. It is often used by American football, baseball, softball, and lacrosse players to mitigate the effects of bright sunlight or stadium floodlights.

History

[edit]

One of the earliest known instances of a player wearing eye black is baseball legend Babe Ruth, who, in or around the 1930s, used the grease in an attempt to reduce sun glare. According to Paul Lukas of ESPN.com, eye black caught on with American football player Andy Farkas.[1] He also states that the original eye black was made from the ashes of burned cork.

Effectiveness

[edit]

2003 Yale study

[edit]

A 2003 study by Brian DeBroff and Patricia Pahk tested whether black eye grease actually had anti-glare properties. The subjects of the study were divided into three groups: wearers of eye black, wearers of anti-glare stickers, and wearers of petroleum jelly. The subjects' vision was tested using an eye chart while being exposed to natural sunlight.

The study concluded that eye black reduced glare of the sun and improved contrast sensitivity, whereas commercial anti-glare stickers and petroleum jelly (the control substance) were found to be ineffective.[2]

However, the study was subject to unavoidable demand bias, wherein the test subjects could have unconsciously changed their responses during testing based on the fact that they knew which substance they were wearing. Also, the petroleum jelly could have introduced glare that would not occur on natural skin and the study did not test a control condition of natural skin. Learning bias is also a factor in the results due to chart repetition.[2]

2005 University of New Hampshire study

[edit]

A study by Benjamin R. Powers at University of New Hampshire,[3] which improved on DeBroff's methodology, found eye black to reduce glare from the sun in women and in those whose eye-color was not blue. The study also tested males and blue-eyed subjects. However, the results were not statistically significant due to a too-small sample size of those test subjects. Some testing was also performed indoors under artificial lighting when inclement weather prohibited outdoor testing. However, those results showed little difference and were not statistically significant. The Powers study was not a double-blind study because those in contact with the test subjects knew which substance was applied. Also, the eye tests were performed at a distance of only 1.15 metres (3 ft 9 in).

MythBusters test

[edit]

On an episode of MythBusters, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman tested whether eye black reduces glare. They determined that, while eye black does not eliminate glare, it does improve an athlete's ability to differentiate between light and dark, enhancing a player's ability to track moving objects in a sunny environment.[4]

Messages in eye black

[edit]

Some athletes, particularly at the college level, began a practice of writing short messages on their adhesive eye black stickers. The trend gained traction among football players in the mid-2000s, popularized by Reggie Bush, who featured homages to his hometown; other popular messages included Bible verses, memorial tributes, and licensed university logos.[1] The displays began to garner widespread media attention surrounding Tim Tebow, who used Bible verse references. This practice was banned on April 14, 2010, when the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP) approved a proposal effecting "that players are not allowed to have any symbols or messages on their eye black starting in the 2010 season."[5]

The National Football League's rulebook stipulates players are barred from "wearing, displaying or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office."[6] In 2014 and 2015, Devon Still, Cameron Heyward, and DeAngelo Williams wore eye black with phrases supporting cancer awareness or loved ones battling cancer; Heyward and Williams were fined by the league for doing so despite their instances coming during the NFL's Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign.[7][8] George Pickens received a fine in 2024 for eye black that included profanity.[9]

In nature

[edit]
A peregrine falcon sitting in a tree, displaying its malar stripes as it watches for prey.
Close-up image of a cheetah, showing its malar stripes

In some birds, such as the peregrine falcon and the common kestrel,[10] it is possible to see black feathering underneath their eyes on their cheekbone, called a malar stripe. This stripe has been evolved over time to serve the exact same purpose as it does in humans as described above, which is to reduce the glare from the sun into the bird's eyes, thus making it easier to spot prey. This evolutionary trait is not exclusive to birds, as some land mammals like the cheetah also have similar markings on their face to aid with tracking prey.[11]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eye black

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Eye black is a black grease or adhesive strip smeared or affixed beneath the eyes by athletes, chiefly in American football and baseball, with the aim of absorbing light to mitigate glare from sunlight or stadium illumination.
Its use traces to early 20th-century baseball players experimenting with glare reduction, gaining prominence in football when Washington Redskins fullback Andy Farkas applied burnt cork under his eyes in 1942.
Empirical testing, including a 2003 controlled study exposing participants to simulated sunlight, demonstrated that traditional eye black grease modestly reduces glare and enhances contrast sensitivity relative to untreated skin, petroleum jelly, or commercial anti-glare stickers, though benefits remain limited and not universally conclusive across all lighting conditions.
The practice may echo natural malar stripes observed in predators such as cheetahs and peregrine falcons, which similarly darken the periorbital region to potentially lessen solar glare during high-speed pursuits.

Historical Development

Early Instances in Baseball

The earliest reported use of eye black-like substances in involved applying grease mixed with burnt cork ashes under the eyes to reduce glare from sunlight. , playing for the New York Yankees, is credited with pioneering this practice as early as the 1920s, smearing the dark mixture beneath his eyes during afternoon games at to counteract irritating light while fielding in right field. This informal method, sometimes incorporating for adhesion, emerged amid Major League Baseball's reliance on daytime schedules, where open-air stadiums exposed players to direct sun without the widespread availability of artificial lighting until the late 1930s. Photographic evidence confirming such applications in before the 1940s remains absent, with historical accounts depending on player anecdotes and retrospective testimonies rather than visual documentation. The experimentation reflected practical adaptations to environmental challenges in the sport, as contests frequently occurred under bright natural conditions, prompting outfielders and others to seek ways to minimize visual distractions from off the field or sky.

Adoption in Football and Other Sports

The use of eye black in American football emerged in the early 20th century, with photographic and documentary evidence indicating its application by the Phillips Andover Academy team as early as 1911. Additional instances include Illinois quarterback Harold Pogue in 1914-1915 and players from Washington State in 1926, reflecting sporadic early adoption primarily for reducing glare from sunlight. By the 1930s, university teams such as Harvard, Yale, Illinois, and others displayed its use in photographs from intercollegiate games. In professional football, documented application appeared by 1941, with Chicago Bears end Dick Plasman and receiver employing it during the season. The following year, Washington Redskins fullback Andy Farkas popularized burnt cork under his eyes, an instance frequently cited—though inaccurately—as the inaugural use in the sport, amid a broader context of pre-existing practices transferred from . This period marked increased visibility in the , aligning with the expansion of night games under floodlights, which intensified glare issues for players. Adoption accelerated in both professional and collegiate levels through the and , as stadium lighting proliferated and teams sought advantages in visibility during daytime and evening contests. College programs, building on earlier precedents, integrated it routinely to counter sun and artificial light reflection off fields and faces. The practice extended to other team sports like and by the mid-20th century, where players applied it similarly for glare reduction, evidenced in game photographs and professional usage records from that era. In , its application persisted as a standard among professionals for decades, aiding focus amid bright conditions. players adopted it to mitigate during outdoor play, embedding it in the sport's equipment culture.

Evolution of Commercial Products

The transition from improvised homemade substances, such as burnt cork or , to manufactured eye black products occurred as expanded after , with commercial grease formulations gaining traction among athletes by the late 1940s. These early commercial greases typically combined with binders like and paraffin for better adhesion and reduced mess compared to ad-hoc mixtures. By the and , branded grease paints specifically marketed for glare reduction in and football became more widely available through sporting goods suppliers, reflecting the growing professionalization of athletics and demand for standardized athletic aids. This period marked a shift toward products optimized for durability under sweat and movement, often sold in small tubes or sticks for team and individual use in leagues like MLB and the . The 2000s introduced pre-packaged adhesive strips and non-greasy alternatives, pioneered by companies like EyeBlack, which was incorporated in 2003 and focused on customizable, mess-free options. These innovations addressed complaints about grease residue and application time, with strips gaining popularity in football by the mid-2000s through endorsements and licensing. Market expansion paralleled sports trends, as brands secured MLB licensing deals and sold millions of units featuring logos for , collegiate, and youth markets, boosting accessibility and revenue streams tied to fan engagement.

Application Methods

Traditional Grease Application

Traditional eye black application involves smearing a black greasy substance, originally derived from burnt cork or commercial grease , beneath the eyes in thin streaks. The substance, often a mixture incorporating for adhesion, is applied starting at the cheekbone and extending downward below the eye socket, typically forming two angular or horizontal bars per eye to maximize coverage. Athletes apply the grease prior to games, rubbing it firmly into the skin to ensure it withstands sweat, helmet contact, and physical exertion during high-intensity play. This method's durability makes it particularly suited to and , where outdoor conditions and prolonged activity demand a resilient application that does not easily smear or wash away mid-contest. Post-game removal requires oil-based solvents or specialized cleansers, such as makeup removers containing , to dissolve the greasy residue without excessive rubbing that could irritate the skin.

Modern Stickers and Alternatives

Adhesive eye black strips, introduced as a commercial product in the mid-2000s, provide a non-grease option consisting of thin, black adhesive patches applied under the eyes to mimic traditional malar stripes. These stickers gained popularity in , with USC running back notably customizing his in 2005 by inscribing "619," the area code for his hometown, which helped popularize personalized designs among players. Manufacturers like Champro Sports produce them in packs for easy distribution, emphasizing quick peel-and-stick application suitable for , football, and . The primary advantages of these stickers include enhanced convenience and compared to grease, as they adhere securely during play yet remove cleanly without leaving residue or requiring solvents for cleanup. Breathable variants, such as those from GB Eyeblack, resist sweat and maintain adhesion under physical exertion, facilitating use in professional and youth leagues where mess-free options aid in maintaining equipment standards and post-game . has extended to levels, with products marketed for kids' teams to minimize skin irritation and simplify application during games or practices. Alternatives to stickers encompass temporary tattoos designed specifically for eye black effects, which transfer via water application to create uniform black stripes without smearing or staining. Offered by brands like BLSTK Athletics, these tattoos prioritize non-messy performance, appealing to athletes seeking visual or reduction akin to grease but with zero cleanup. Some face sticks serve as hybrid options, applying like for precise under-eye coverage and claiming easy wash-off, though they retain a semi-solid texture closer to traditional methods. These modern formats collectively prioritize practicality, enabling broader use in regulated sports environments.

Intended Purposes

Glare Reduction Mechanism

Eye black operates on the principle of light absorption by a dark applied to the skin beneath the eyes, which captures incident rays from sources like or stadium lights, preventing their reflection back toward the ocular region. Unlike lighter skin tones that reflect a significant portion of visible wavelengths—typically 40-60% depending on tone and angle—the black grease or strip exhibits near-total absorption across the spectrum, minimizing both specular reflections off the cheekbones and diffuse scattering that could intrude into the . The strategic placement along the , directly inferior to the orbits, intercepts entering from lower peripheral angles, where is most disruptive during ground-level activities such as tracking a descending or monitoring field positions. This positioning leverages the geometry of facial structure to shadow the eyes from upward-scattered illumination, reducing veiling that overlays the visual scene and thereby theoretically preserving higher contrast ratios between targets and backgrounds. From optical physics, this relies on the inverse relationship between surface and reflectivity: darker matte surfaces convert photonic energy to heat via absorption rather than re-emitting it, curtailing the causal chain of light-skin-eye interference compared to untreated cutaneous areas. Similar malar markings observed in predatory , such as , underscore the mechanism's basis in reducing solar reflection for enhanced prey detection under bright conditions.

Psychological and Intimidation Effects

Athletes frequently apply eye black to cultivate an intimidating appearance, likening it to historical war paint that signals ferocity and deters adversaries in combat-like sports environments. This perceptual effect is rooted in the stark contrast of black streaks under the eyes, which accentuates facial features and conveys aggression, particularly in high-contact sports such as American football. Professional and amateur players alike report that this visual signaling enhances team cohesion and projects dominance, independent of any glare-reduction utility. Self-reported psychological benefits include a boost and motivational , where the act of applying eye black fosters a of and invulnerability. Surveys and athlete testimonials indicate that many perceive it as essential to their pre-game , with absence potentially leading to feelings of exposure or diminished performance. This istic value aligns with broader sports principles, where symbolic actions reinforce mental resilience amid competitive pressures. In the cultural context of sports , eye black serves as a non-verbal of toughness and , transcending functional claims to embody performative . Observations from football and suggest its persistence stems from these intangible perceptual gains, even as scientific scrutiny questions optical efficacy, underscoring its role in athlete over empirical .

Scientific Evaluation

Studies Indicating Benefits

A study conducted by researchers at School of Medicine, published in 2003 in Archives of Ophthalmology (now JAMA Ophthalmology), evaluated the antiglare properties of eye black grease compared to antiglare stickers and under simulated sunlight conditions. Participants underwent contrast sensitivity testing after application of each product around the orbits. The results demonstrated that eye black grease significantly reduced glare and improved contrast sensitivity relative to controls and stickers, with statistical significance (P < 0.05 for grease versus stickers). In 2005, Benjamin R. Powers at the investigated eye black's effects on visual performance using low-contrast charts under simulated sunlight. The experiment involved participants applying eye black grease, adhesive strips, or clear . Findings indicated that eye black grease enhanced contrast sensitivity, albeit modestly, by absorbing and diffusing incident light to mitigate interference, providing a measurable advantage in distinguishing low-contrast targets. A 2016 review by Brian M. DeBroff in Advances in Ophthalmology & Visual System synthesized prior empirical data, affirming that eye black grease—composed of , paraffin, and carbon—effectively absorbs light in the , thereby reducing photic glare and enhancing in sunlit athletic environments, consistent with observations in . The analysis highlighted its superiority over non-absorptive alternatives like stickers, which primarily block peripheral light without equivalent contrast benefits.

Studies Indicating Limited or No Benefits

A 2003 laboratory study conducted at involving 27 healthy volunteers tested the effects of eye black grease, antiglare stickers, and on glare reduction and contrast sensitivity under simulated conditions. While the grease demonstrated statistically significant improvements in contrast sensitivity compared to untreated skin and stickers, the magnitude of the effect was modest, with no observed benefits from stickers or jelly, suggesting limited practical utility for commercial alternatives and questioning the necessity of grease in non-extreme lighting. A 2005 undergraduate research project at the replicated similar contrast sensitivity tests with participants and found that eye black provided only slight enhancements, insufficient to confer a clear competitive edge in dynamic sports environments, particularly when compared to baseline . Adhesive strips and showed no discernible effects, reinforcing doubts about non-grease variants. In a 2011 episode of the television series , hosts tested eye black's glare reduction using visibility tasks in bright outdoor conditions, including scenarios with headgear like hats or helmets common in . Results indicated negligible differences in target detection accuracy, with any improvements attributable to minimal light absorption rather than substantial optical gains, especially under partial shading. Reviews of available , including commentary as of 2006, highlight that while eye black may reduce somewhat in controlled settings, its measurable benefits often fail to translate to real-world athletic performance, where factors like lighting, visors, and motion diminish optical demands; some ophthalmologists argue or intimidation effects predominate over verifiable physiological advantages.

Comparative Product Assessments

A 2003 controlled study evaluating periorbital antiglare products under simulated conditions found traditional eye black grease significantly superior to anti-glare stickers in reducing and enhancing contrast sensitivity, attributing the difference to grease's broader coverage and matte light-absorbing properties that minimize more effectively than the thinner, reflective-edged stickers. In contrast, stickers failed to demonstrate measurable improvements over untreated skin controls in the same photopic and mesopic lighting tests. Athlete feedback highlights preferences for stickers due to their uniform application, resistance to smearing during play, and reduced risk of skin irritation compared to grease, which can clog pores and exacerbate in sensitive individuals through prolonged occlusion and oil buildup. Grease requires manual spreading, leading to inconsistent thickness that varies by user technique, whereas pre-cut stickers ensure reproducible dark patterning without residue transfer to equipment or hands. Empirical consensus across evaluations indicates only marginal performance edges for any product over bare skin, with first-principles optical analysis favoring non-reflective dark surfaces—regardless of form—for ambient light rays away from the , though real-world benefits diminish under overcast or artificial lighting where sources differ. No subsequent peer-reviewed comparisons have overturned these relative rankings, underscoring grease's edge in absorption efficacy at the cost of practicality.

Customization Practices

Writing Messages and Symbols

Athletes began customizing eye black with inscriptions in the early , primarily in , by applying short phrases, numbers, or symbols using grease pencils directly on the grease or strips. This method evolved from applications, enabling players to convey personal or team-oriented messages visible during , such as area codes representing hometowns or brief motivational slogans. Inscriptions are strategically positioned beneath the eyes for maximum visibility on close-up shots and field views, distinguishing the practice from earlier non-expressive uses and aligning with the sport's emphasis on psychological presence. Common content includes numeric identifiers like telephone area codes or symbolic references intended to inspire performance or signal affiliations, reflecting a broader trend toward in visible athletics. The shift gained traction in and football by the mid-2000s, with players adapting commercial eye black products—initially designed for glare reduction—into mediums for succinct communication, often limited to 3-5 characters due to space constraints under the eyes. This customization highlights eye black's dual role in functionality and expression, though it requires precise application to maintain and during physical exertion.

Notable Athlete Examples

One prominent example of eye black customization involved quarterback during the on January 8, where he wrote "John 3:16"—a reference to the biblical verse stating "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life"—on his eye black strips. This display, visible throughout Florida's 24-14 victory over , resulted in "John 3:16" becoming the most searched term on the next day, with Tebow later noting it generated over 94 million searches in 24 hours, amplifying the verse's reach far beyond the stadium. In professional football, used eye black to convey a profane message reading "Open F***ing Season" during the October 6, 2024, game against the , which the reviewed for violating uniform policies on personal messages. was subsequently fined $10,231 by the league on October 12, 2024, for the infraction, yet he dismissed concerns, stating it was merely eye black without expectation of repercussions. This case illustrated continued athlete experimentation with eye black for bold statements amid enforcement risks. Additional instances include tributes via initials or symbols in , where players like outfielders often apply eye black beneath embroidered initials on caps or gloves for personalization, adhering to MLB's restrictions on unapproved messages or logos that limit such uses to solid black or basic designs. In , post-2010 NCAA prohibitions on written messages, athletes have occasionally incorporated subtle tributes, such as memorials to family members, though these risk fines similar to NFL precedents like defensive lineman Cam Heyward's eye black honoring his late father, which drew league scrutiny.

Regulatory Responses

NCAA and NFL Bans on Messages

In April 2010, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved a prohibition on messages written on eye black, effective for the 2010 season. This change closed a prior loophole allowing such customizations and sought to promote uniformity among players by restricting eye black to solid black without text, numbers, or logos. The rule gained the informal nickname " Rule" due to 's practice of inscribing verses under his eyes, which had popularized the trend among athletes. The enforces a parallel restriction under Rule 5, Section 4, Article 8, which mandates that eye black remain plain black without any writing, personal messages, or markings beyond approved manufacturer logos. This uniform policy aims to preserve a standardized on-field appearance and deter unsportsmanlike or distracting elements. Violations incur fines, such as the $10,231 penalty imposed on on October 12, 2024, for displaying the profane phrase "Open F---ing Always" during the October 6 game against the . Pickens claimed ignorance of the rule, echoing past cases like defensive lineman Cam Heyward's fine for writing "Iron Head" in tribute to his late father.

Enforcement and Fines

On-field officials in both NCAA and games conduct pre-game inspections of players' uniforms and equipment, including eye black, to verify compliance with rules mandating solid black strips without messages, symbols, or markings. Violations detected during these checks may result in players being directed to remove or correct the eye black before entering the field, with non-compliance potentially leading to penalties for illegal equipment. In the NFL, enforcement extends beyond pre-game scrutiny through post-game video reviews by league officials, resulting in monetary fines for players who display prohibited personal messages. Fines typically begin at approximately $5,000 and can escalate based on the infraction's severity or repetition. For instance, wide receiver was fined $10,231 on October 12, 2024, for an explicit message on his eye black during a game against the . Similarly, Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward received a $5,787 fine on October 14, 2015, for a tribute message honoring his father, and safety Ryan Clark was fined $5,000 in 2009 for inscribing a number in memory of a teammate. NCAA enforcement primarily relies on in-game officiating, where detected messages can trigger or equipment penalties, such as 15-yard assessments, rather than direct player fines, as the organization does not impose monetary penalties on individual athletes. Post-2010 implementation has seen limited publicized infractions, suggesting higher compliance rates in college play compared to the level, though exact infraction remains unpublished by the NCAA. Players have occasionally tested enforcement boundaries with subtle or borderline markings, such as faint numbers or symbols intended to evade detection, prompting repeated league scrutiny and fines in the to deter such workarounds. These incidents highlight ongoing compliance challenges, as athletes balance personal expression against policy strictures enforced through a combination of proactive inspections and reactive penalties.

Controversies and Misinterpretations

Accusations of Cultural Insensitivity

In September 2023, eighth-grade student J.A. attended a football game at Muirlands in , , wearing black streaks under his eyes as eye black, a common athletic practice to reduce glare and show . School officials accused him of "blackface," resulting in a two-day suspension and a ban from school sporting events, classifying the incident as a "hate incident" despite no evidence of racial intent or disruption. The student's family sued the San Diego Unified School District, arguing the punishment violated free speech and ignored the sports context, leading to a March 2025 settlement that expunged the suspension from his record. This case highlighted a key distinction between eye black and : eye black consists of thin, functional streaks applied solely under the eyes for practical purposes like reduction, not full-face application intended to or imitate facial features. Originating in the early among and football players—predating heightened modern sensitivities around racial by decades—eye black has been used by athletes across racial backgrounds without in professional contexts, such as NFL and MLB games. Unlike historical blackface minstrel performances, which involved exaggerated whitening of and full facial darkening to demean , eye black lacks any performative or derogatory element, serving instead a utilitarian role evidenced by its adoption in sports since at least . Media coverage amplified the isolated Muirlands incident, framing it within broader narratives of racial sensitivity, yet it contrasted sharply with eye black's routine acceptance in athletics, where thousands of players apply it weekly without issue. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression criticized the school's response as an overreach, noting the absence of harm or intent, while legal proceedings underscored that such applications in do not equate to prohibited expression. No widespread pattern of similar accusations exists in or collegiate , underscoring the Muirlands case as an outlier driven by contextual misunderstanding rather than inherent cultural insensitivity.

Debates Over Free Expression

The NCAA's 2010 prohibition on messages, numbers, logos, or symbols on eye black, requiring it to be solid black, has sparked debate over whether such regulations unduly restrict players' personal expression during games. Proponents of the ban argue it preserves the game's integrity by enforcing uniformity in equipment and maintaining focus on athletic competition rather than individual messaging, aligning with the substance's original purpose of reducing glare from stadium lights and sun. According to NCAA Football Rules Committee secretary-rules editor Cameron Schuh, the rule "reinforces what the intended use of eye black is, which is to shade the eyes from the sun," closing a loophole where players had technically violated existing equipment guidelines by adding non-functional alterations. Critics contend the policy curbs harmless, motivational, or faith-based expressions that do not inherently disrupt play, potentially prioritizing administrative control over player autonomy in a visible but non-verbal medium. Tim Tebow's practice of inscribing verses, such as John 3:16 during the —which drew over 94 million searches for the verse—serves as a prominent example, with some viewing the subsequent ban, dubbed the "Tebow Rule," as selectively targeting religious messaging amid its high visibility. Tebow himself expressed willingness to continue the practice if permitted, highlighting its personal significance without claiming intent to proselytize or distract. These disputes extend to broader tensions between standardized sports governance and individual agency, drawing loose analogies to free speech principles even though the NCAA operates as a private entity unbound by the First Amendment. Advocates for greater leeway argue that minor, non-commercial expressions like scriptural references or area codes foster player morale without conferring competitive edges, questioning why such rules enforce over benign in an era of televised spectacles. Opponents of counter that unchecked messaging risks escalating to provocative or commercial content, diluting the sport's emphasis on merit-based performance and fair play, as evidenced by parallel policies fining violations to uphold similar standards.

Natural Analogues

Cheetah Tear Marks

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) features prominent black streaks, known as malar stripes or tear marks, extending from the inner corners of the eyes down the sides of the muzzle to the mouth. These markings consist of dense pigmentation that contrasts sharply against the cheetah's tawny facial fur. These malar stripes function to absorb and minimize , particularly in the open, sunlit savannas where hunt during daylight hours. By reducing reflected light around the eyes, the dark pigmentation enhances visual contrast and acuity, enabling better detection and tracking of prey at distances up to several hundred meters. Observational studies of hunting behavior in African habitats, such as those conducted by the Cheetah Conservation Fund, support this role, noting improved focus on fast-moving targets like gazelles under intense solar conditions. As an evolutionary , the malar stripes align with the diurnal , which evolved to minimize competition with nocturnal predators like lions and . records and comparative analyses of felid morphology indicate that this trait emerged alongside specialized sprint capabilities, optimizing predation success in bright environments. Comparative phylogenetic studies on facial patterns further corroborate that such stripes mitigate visual interference from , though direct experimental validation remains limited to field observations rather than controlled tests.

Other Animal Adaptations

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) exhibit black facial masks that absorb light to minimize glare from reflections, particularly during nocturnal foraging near water sources, thereby enhancing contrast perception in low-light conditions. This adaptation parallels glare-reduction mechanisms observed in other vertebrates, with the dark fur reducing incoming light scatter to improve when scanning for prey or navigating reflective surfaces. In giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), the black eye patches are proposed to limit sunlight glare, facilitating better environmental assessment in forested habitats, although empirical studies emphasize communication and as primary roles, with glare mitigation as a secondary hypothesis supported by general observations of dark periorbital fur in mammals. Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) possess malar stripes—dark markings beneath the eyes—that correlate with environmental light exposure, functioning to decrease solar glare and potentially boost hunting precision during high-speed dives, as evidenced by comparative analyses showing stripe prominence varying with latitude and habitat sunlight levels rather than or . Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) display similar dark periorbital patches that act as natural filters against intense sunlight, reducing glare to aid sentinel vigilance and foraging in arid environments.

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  41. https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-fines-steelers-wr-george-pickens-10k-for-profane-message-on-eye-black-232730056.html
  42. https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news/pittsburgh-steelers-george-pickens-fined-explicit-message
  43. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/346014-tim-tebow-rule-the-ncaa-bans-eye-black-messages
  44. https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=5092774
  45. https://www.al.com/solomon/2010/04/ncaa_bans_wedge_blocking_and_e.html
  46. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/cowboys/2010/05/05/rule-changes-ncaa-sacks-use-of-eye-black-messages/61251825007/
  47. https://en.as.com/nfl/what-did-steelers-wr-george-pickens-eye-black-say-that-could-cause-a-fine-from-nfl-n/
  48. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/steelers-wr-george-pickens-says-he-was-unaware-about-nfl-rules-banning-messages-on-eye-black
  49. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10139147-steelers-george-pickens-fined-by-nfl-for-open-f--king-always-eye-black-vs-cowboys
  50. https://www.reddit.com/r/steelers/comments/1g2qpj1/pellissero_the_nfl_fined_steelers_wr_george/
  51. https://gridirondigest.net/topic/5488-eyeblack-on-football-players/
  52. https://www.reddit.com/r/nfl/comments/3or50d/nfl_fined_cam_heyward_exactly_5787_for_displaying/
  53. https://theblackandwhite.net/1752/uncategorized/nfl-institutes-unfair-fining-techniques/
  54. https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrissmith/2015/10/29/why-isnt-the-nfl-enforcing-its-uniform-code/
  55. https://www.thefire.org/news/flag-play-middle-school-suspends-student-wearing-eye-black-football-game
  56. https://nypost.com/2025/03/16/us-news/california-school-settles-with-student-ja-ameduri-accused-of-wearing-blackface-at-football-game/
  57. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-14/student-blackface-suspension-expunged-san-diego
  58. https://www.courthousenews.com/judge-middle-school-students-blackface-isnt-protected-speech/
  59. https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/fire-letter-muirlands-middle-school-november-8-2023
  60. https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/california-family-sues-after-school-accuses-boy-of-wearing-blackface-at-football-game-muirlands-middle-school-face-warrior-paint-sporting-event-suspension-professional-athletes-fans-legal-action-alleged-racism-cancel-culture
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  63. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/432856-tebows-eye-black-and-our-black-eye
  64. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/cheetah
  65. https://cheetah.org/learn/about-cheetahs/
  66. https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/cheetah-fact-sheet/
  67. https://www.wildlifeact.com/blog/why-do-cheetah-have-tear-marks
  68. https://cheetah.org/canada/2020/06/22/for-cheetahs-speed-is-important-but-so-is-eyesight/
  69. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229663732_Spots_stripes_tail_tips_and_dark_eyes_Predicting_the_function_of_carnivore_colour_patterns_using_the_comparative_method
  70. https://www.nycgovparks.org/learn/wildlife-in-new-york-city/raccoons
  71. https://a-z-animals.com/articles/why-do-raccoons-have-masks-and-other-surprising-facts-about-raccoons/
  72. https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/28/3/657/3058530
  73. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2021.0116
  74. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/meet-meerkats-guide-smithsonians-national-zoos-meerkat-family
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