Sclera and Iris Color Interact to Influence Gaze Perception.

ABSTRACT: The white sclera is important in facilitating gaze perception in humans. Iris color may likewise influence gaze perception but no previous studies have directly assessed its effect. We therefore examined how the interaction between sclera and iris color influences human gaze perception. We recorded the eye movements of human participants as they performed a visual search task with human faces exhibiting directed or averted gaze. The faces either exhibited light or dark irises. In addition, the faces had sclera that were depigmented (white) or pigmented (matched the color of the iris). We found that participants were quick and accurate in evaluating gaze regardless of iris color in faces with depigmented sclera. When the sclera were pigmented, participants were slower to evaluate the gaze o

SUBMITTER: Yorzinski JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7989964 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature