A Patient's Guide to Eye Anatomy and Function
The human eye is a fascinating structure that utilizes many moving parts to send messages to the brain that are interpreted as sight. In order for people to have clear and precise vision, all of the elements of the eye need to be healthy and functional. Here is a step-by-step outline of how the eyes works so you can understand the importance of each structure within the eye:
- Light passes through the cornea: The cornea is the thin outer coating on the surface of the eye. It refracts light rays so they can pass into the eye through the pupil. The iris, or colored portion of your eye, expands or contracts depending on the amount of light in a given environment.
- The lens focuses light onto the retina: Without the lens, the eye would not be able to focus light properly, so vision would never be completely clear. The lens moves to refract light according to its distance, allowing it to fall evenly onto the receptors of the retina.
- The retina translates the image: Once the light has been interpreted by the retina, it is translated into electrical pulses that are read by the optic nerve and sent to the brain. This results in the complete images you see every day.
How do eye exams protect the structures of the eye?
The goal of an eye exam is to assess the quality of your vision while looking for signs of eye diseases that can permanently damage your sight. If your vision needs correcting, it is most likely due to a refractive disorder in which the shape or size of the eye prevents light from accurately reaching the retina. Such problems may be corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Find out if your eyes are healthy with the help of Hakim Optical. We have over 100 locations throughout Canada in order to meet your vision needs. Call (416) 924-8866 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with the center nearest you.
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