What Are The Key Parts Of The Eye That Help It Function Properly?

Dr. Rosen answers the question: 'How Does the Eye Function?'

By
Richard Rosen, M.D., Vice Chairman and Director of Research, Department of Opthamology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
December 23, 2008, 5:52 PM ET
1 min read

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: What are the key parts of the eye that help it function properly?

Answer: The eye is like a camera : The front of the eye has a clear window -- the cornea -- that's similar to the cover of a watch. Beneath that we have the pupil, which is surrounded by the iris, which is the color part of the eyes, [it] opens and closes to allow the light to adjust. Beneath that is the lens which focuses the light into an image onto the surface of the retina. The retina is like the film in a camera. The image is then transferred from the retina to the optic nerve.