Subject: blue veins

A previous questioner asked the reason for the blue-appearing
veins in our body. I understand the answer given: that the 
lack of oxygen makes blood appear maroon, almost purple- as I 
have seen when blood is drawn by a doctor. But that is 
not the color I see when I look at the veins in my arm: they 
really look BLUE! Is this some kind of optical illusion caused 
by the skin? What do veins look like during surgery? ( I don't
care to try this one at home!)

Re: blue veins