toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Eye structures and vision

Top of the page

Eye structures and vision

Parts of the eye, showing the iris, lens, and pupil in front, and vitreous gel, blood vessels, macula, retina, and optic nerve in back.

In a normal eye, light passes through the pupil and is focused by the lens onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina converts light into electrical impulses that are carried to the brain. The brain interprets the impulses as visual images.

One part of the retina—the macula—provides sharp, clear central vision that allows a person to see form, color, and detail that is directly in the line of sight.

Current as of: October 27, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 27, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Your Partner in Health.

People are at the heart of great health care. That's why we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to the communities we serve. 


Together with our community partners and patients, we're building a stronger, healthier future for all Idahoans.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In McCall (208) 634-2221