Our eyes are amazing. They help us see the world around us. Is your brain looking? Let’s find out how our eyes work.
How our Eyes Work
You actually see with your brain not your eyes. Our eyes function like a camera, capturing light and sending data back to the brain for interpretation.
All the different parts of your eyes work together to help you see. According to the National Eye Institute, here’s an overview on how the eye works… When light hits the retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye), special cells called photoreceptors turn the light into electrical signals. These electrical signals travel from the retina through the optic nerve to the brain. Then the brain turns the signals into the images you see.
First, light passes through the cornea (the clear front layer of the eye). The cornea is shaped like a dome and bends light to help the eye focus.
Some of this light enters the eye through an opening called the pupil (PYOO-pul).
The iris (the colored part of the eye) controls how much light the pupil lets in.
Next, light passes through the lens (a clear inner part of the eye). The lens works together with the cornea to focus light correctly on the retina.
When light hits the retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye), special cells called photoreceptors turn the light into electrical signals.
These electrical signals travel from the retina through the optic nerve to the brain. Then the brain turns the signals into the images you see.
Your eyes also need tears to work correctly. Tears keeps your eyes lubricated and healthy.
To discover more about your eye health, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor or call us at 407-292-9812.
