Anatomy of an Eye: The Vision Correction Website

Diagram of an Eye

The cornea is a transparent tissue in the front part of the eye. It is a curved spherical structure that is responsible for focusing the light onto the inside of the eye. Contact lenses sit on top of the cornea to change it's curvature and eliminate the need for glasses. The Vision Correction Procedures discussed in this website attempt to improve vision by changing the shape of the cornea.

The iris is the colored part of the eye. It opens up in dark rooms and at night to let more light into the eye. Conversely, in bright lights the iris constricts to decrease the amount of light that enters the back of the eye.

The pupil is the black spot in the center of the iris. Actually, the pupil is the name given to the opening in the iris through which light passes.

The lens is responsible for helping to fine adjust the focus of the eye. The lens changes shape to allow clear vision both in the distance and for reading.

The vitreous is a clear jelly-like material which fills the inside of the eyeball. Light passes through the vitreous on it's way to being focused onto the retina.

The retina is a thin film of tissue (like film in a camera) where images are brought into focus. The retina lines the inside surface of the eyeball. The retina is connected to the brain where the visual signals are processed.

Between the cornea and the iris is a space called the anterior chamber. This space is filled with a clear water-like solution.