Avoiding Red Eyes in Passport Photos

Red eyes often seen in photos, especially those captured in low light, result from the reflection of a camera flash off the blood vessels in the back of an individual's eye, which is known as the retina.

In situations with insufficient light, pupils naturally enlarge to admit more light, aiding in better vision. However, when a photo is taken, the abrupt and intense flash from the camera doesn't provide sufficient time for the pupils to contract, and as a result, an excessive amount of light enters the eye.

This light penetrates the pupil and strikes the retina. Since the retina is dense with blood vessels, it reflects a red light, as blood absorbs all other colors of light except red. This reflected red light subsequently exits the eye, enters the camera lens, and manifests in the photo.

Rules for Red Eyes in Passport Photos

Red eyes are unacceptable in passport photos. The guidelines specify that passport photos must be unaltered and clearly represent the individual.

Red eye effect is considered a form of distortion and could lead to the rejection of the photo. Therefore, passport photos should be taken with good lighting, preferably with a camera that can reduce or eliminate red eye. If red eye occurs, it's advisable to retake the photo rather than digitally remove it, to avoid photo rejection.