Greenland sharks have gained popularity in scientific literature along with other long-lived species, revamping the narrative surrounding their lifespan and eyesight. Previous conclusions suggested these sharks live for centuries and are functionally blind due to parasitic copepods affecting their corneas. This claim stemmed from a 1998 study indicating that the parasites could cause severe visual impairment.
However, a 2016 study provided evidence for their long lifespan, estimating some individuals could be over 392 years old, although the exact age range remains uncertain. In January 2026, new research published in Nature Communications challenged the blindness narrative. A study by Lily Fogg and colleagues revealed that Greenland sharks possess an intact visual system, well-suited for low-light conditions, and their retinal tissue showed no signs of degeneration, indicating they are not blind.
The previous notion of blindness reflects human projections about long life filled with tragedy, whereas the new findings illustrate that these sharks actively maintain their eyesight throughout their lives. This shift from metaphorical narratives to biological realities enriches our understanding of these ancient creatures, emphasizing that further research is needed to unravel the mysteries of their long lives. Over decades, inaccuracies in popular accounts have solidified into accepted facts, demonstrating how myths can form about seldom-seen species in remote environments.
