FAQ The Eye

The Eye

Still have a question?

Let us know and we will get back to you as soon as possible

Interactive Anatomy Of The Eye

Click here to explore an interactive eye model.

Common vision conditions – Refractive errors

Refractive errors occur when the curvature of the cornea, which mainly dertermines the refractive power, is not aligned with the eye’s length. As a result, the light rays are prevented from focusing directly on the retina.

Nearsightedness (myopia): When the eyeball is too long, the light rays are focused in front of the retina. Distant objects appear blurry, those up close are clear.

Farsightedness (hyperopia): When the eyeball is too short, the light rays are focused behind the retina. Nearby objects appear blurry, distant ones are clear.

Astigmatism: The cornea’s irregular shape causes light rays to focus on more than one point. Overall vision appears blurry or distorted.

How the eye works – understanding vision

The human eye is truly remarkable in its design. Each eye is unique. The vision quality we enjoy is largely determined by the size and shape of our eyes. With a healthy eye, light rays entering the eye are focused directly on the retina to form a sharp image, which is then sent to the brain via the optic nerve and results in a visual image. When the eye’s dimensions are not aligned, the light rays are not correctly focused. This results in a refractive error such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism (an irregular curvature of the cornea). Refractive errors are very widespread and affect people of all ages.

The Workings Of The Eye

The Auckland Eye doctors explain the workings of the eye

Anatomy: Conjunctiva

The conjunctiva is the thin, moist, clear membrane that covers the sclera, the white part of the eye. It is the skin that lines the eye socket and protects and lubricates the eyeball.

Anatomy: Crystalline Lens

The crystalline lens is the transparent structure inside of the eye located directly behind your iris. The sole function of your lens is to focus light rays onto the retina.

Anatomy: Vitreous Body

The vitreous is a clear jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye. It is composed mainly of water and comprises about 2/3 of the eye’s volume. The vitreous helps the eye maintain a round shape and is attached to the retina at various points including the macula and the optic nerve.

Anatomy: Zonules

The zonules are a series of fine fibers that connect the crystalline lens to the ciliary body. The function of your zonules is to hold the lens in place in the eye.

Anatomy: Tear Layer

This video describes the function and structure of tears, showing the location of the glands, describing the role of each of the three layers, as well as the purpose of the tear film, the eyelids, and the tear ducts.