The Effects of Light Rays on the Eye

Anatomy

• The eye's iris contracts and expands to allow light rays into the eye. The lens then focuses light onto the retina and adjusts for objects that are near or far. The retina sends the impulses to the optic nerve which sends the information to the optic nerve and then the brain.

Testing

• Opthamologists check eyes by shining light into the eyes to check for cloudiness and the level of fluid in the eye.

Conditions

• Blind people often have a problem with their optic nerve, which means the light taken into the eye isn't focused properly and sent to the brain.

Conditions

• Keep your eyes healthy by protecting them from overly bright light. Never look directly into the sun, which can permanently damage your eyes. The Ontario Science Center warns that since there are no nerves at the back of your eyes you might not feel any permanent damage occur when looking directly at the sun.