Eli5: why are our eyes not shaped more round like our actual eyeballs?

Question

I feel like most other species’ eyes are shaped round like their eyes, but ours are more almond. It’s strange

In: 6

Answer 1

We have eyelids that can cover our eyes to protect them. Animals like fish that have round eyes, don’t have eyelids.

As for why having eyelids makes eyes not round, think about a window shade on a window (like a Venetian blind). Even if you raise it all the way, it’s still kinda bunched up at the top.