Baleen whales' eyes are constantly bathed in water. There are no tear ducts, but glands at the outer cornea and eyelids secrete an oily substance that lubricates and cleans the eyes. Baleen whales are nearsighted in air. Retinas of baleen whales' eyes contain mostly rods, cells which gather more low intensity light. Cone cells, which are responsible for color vision, are much less abundant.
Baleen whales have sensitive skin, especially on the head and flukes.
The sense of taste has not been well studied in baleen whales. Nerves and the area of the brain concerned with taste are present. There are taste buds on the base of the tongue, but their importance is unknown. Olfactory nerves and bulbs are present in baleen whales during the fetal stage, but they are greatly reduced in the adult brain. Scientists have yet to discover whether such nerves and bulbs are functional.