The human eye is nothing short of amazing. It seems that we often take our vision for granted – until complications arise and we realize just how valuable our eyesight really is. Understanding the parts of the eye and how different components work together to achieve vision may just make you see things in a whole new light. Let’s take a small glimpse into the eye’s anatomy that enables us to see.
Parts of the Eye
The Cornea
This is where light enters the eye. The cornea is a clear, curved protective covering that lies at the front of the eye. It helps to focus light to the retina. It acts essentially as a camera lens.
The Retina
The retina lines the back of the eyeball and is sensitive to light. It detects light through photoreceptors called cones and rods. These receptors are responsible for giving us color (cones), as well as night and peripheral vision (rods).
The Pupil
The pupil is the black circle at the center of the eye (known as the iris). Its primary job is to allow light to enter the eye. The pupil, with the help of the iris, is capable of increasing and decreasing in size to accommodate light, as well as to regulate the intensity of light.
The Iris
This is the part of the eye that gives us our eye color. It also controls the amount of light that enters the eye and is responsible for constricting and dilating the pupil. In a sense, the pupil and iris could be considered as partners.
The Lens
The lens sits just behind the iris. It focuses light to the retina. It has the ability to change its shape to focus on nearby objects (where it becomes thicker) and distant objects (becoming thinner).
The Sclera
The sclera is the white part of the eye. It protects the eye, helps it keep its shape, and lubricates it.
Contact your Local Eye Doctor for More Information
As you can see, the capability of sight is a complex process. This list is merely the tip of the iceberg, but hopefully it gives you an idea of just how intricate and precious vision really is.
If you have a question or concern, or to make an appointment, please contact us through our Michigan Eye Institute website.
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