1) To focus light rays on the retina and
2) To create an image to send to the brain.
Parts of the Eye
Cornea
-- the clear front window of the eye. The cornea transmits
and focuses light into the eye.
Iris
-- the colored part of the eye. The iris helps regulate the
amount of light that enters the eye.
Pupil
-- the dark center in the middle of the iris. The pupil
determines how much light is let into the eye. It changes sizes to accommodate for the
amount of light that is available.
Lens
-- the transparent structure inside the eye that focuses
light rays onto the retina.
Retina
-- the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye. The
retina senses light and creates impulses that are sent through the optic nerve to the
brain.
Macula
-- a small area in the retina that contains special
light-sensitive cells. The macula allows us to see fine details clearly.
Optic Nerve
-- the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. The
optic nerve carries the impulses formed by the retina to the brain, which interprets them
as images.
Vitreous
-- the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the middle
of the eye.