The Eye

Our eyes are amazing structures dedicated to providing us with vision and all too frequently we take them and our eyesight for granted. Before learning about AMD, do you know how your eye 'sees'?

Image adapted from AMD Alliance International.

CORNEA

a transparent protective outer layer that covers the front of the eyeball. It also focuses light.

PUPIL

the hole in the centre of the iris, visible as a black circle.

IRIS

the 'eye colour' - a blue/brown/green coloured circle that surrounds the pupil. By changing the size of the pupil, the iris can control the amount of light entering the eye.

LENS

the transparent body that bends and focuses light rays onto the retina.

RETINA

the light-sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye and acts like a film in a camera. Rays of light enter the eye and are focused on the retina by the cornea and lens. The retina contains millions of special photoreceptor cells that are responsible for picking up light and converting it into nerve signals. These are then sent along the optic nerve for the brain to interpret, which becomes what we 'see' - giving us eyesight.

MACULA

the small area at the centre of the retina responsible for what we see straight in front of us, at the centre of our field of vision. The macula is very important as it gives us the vision needed for detailed activities such as reading and recognising faces. Therefore, whilst the entire retina lets you see there is a book in your hands, the macula gives you the ability to read the book and see the pictures properly.

SCLERA

the white of the eye and the protective outer coating of the eyeball.

OPTIC NERVE

transmits the image focussed on the retina to the brain.

TEAR FILM

the moist liquid layer that covers and protects the outer surfaces at the front of the eye.

VITREOUS

the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye from the lens to the retina.