The Process of Sight - Anatomy of the Eye

Eye Surgeons - Dr. Murray McFadden and Dr. Carolyn Anderson

   

 This page last updated
December 8, 2002
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The Process of Sight

The process of sight occurs when the eyes and the brain work together to transform light images into sight. Light rays first pass through the transparent cornea, which focuses them through the pupil to the lens. When light rays reach the lens, it adjusts its shape to fine-focus the images onto the
Diagram of the eyeretina which covers the back of the eye. Once the retina has received the light images, it translates them into electrical impulses. The optic nerve carries these impulses to the visual cortex of the brain, where they are interpreted into sight.
 

Anatomy of the Eye

At the very front of the eye is the clear window called the cornea. To see clearly the cornea and the lens must work together to focus light onto the back of the eye. Inside the eye we can see the coloured part called the iris. Right in the middle of the iris there's a black circle which is the pupil. The pupil is a hole in the iris that let's the light through to the lens which is positioned just behind the iris and the pupil.

Diagram of the LensThe lens is made of a clear, flexible gel surrounded by the transparent lens capsule. This outer membrane is kind of like a piece of saran wrap or you could think of it as being like the skin on a sausage.

The lens is held in place by hundreds of little wire-like strands, which go from the base of the iris to a structure known as the ciliary body. These strands are
Ciliary Bodyround and function much like the cables on a suspension bridge. The ciliary body produces the fluid which normally keeps the eye inflated.

If we go backwards in the eye,
we can see that the back of it is lined with the retina. The retina is the eye's light-sensitive layer that sends visual signals to the brain. The lens is the part of the eye that helps focus light on the retina. In a normal eye, light passes through the lens and gets focused on the retina. To help produce a sharp image, the lens must remain clear - just like in a camera.

Vision likened to a Camera Diagram

When any part of the visual system is not working properly, the process of sight can be interrupted.

Materials produced here are not intended to provide medical information. Rather, the materials are presented for informational purposes only.
None of the materials presented may be relied upon by any person for any medical, diagnostic or treatment reasons whatsoever. None of the materials presented here may be relied upon by any person for purpose other than informational purposes without the express written consent of Dr. Murray McFadden or the person indicated as the owner of the relevant materials. Dr. Murray McFadden disclaims any liability for any injury or other damages resulting from the review or use of the information obtained here. Dr. Murray McFadden asks that any person reviewing the materials presented here obtain specific medical advice and answers to specific medical questions, by a qualified eye doctor.