Glossary of terms*;

Cornea (KOR-nee-uh):
The transparent front "window" of the eye that covers the iris and pupil, and provides most of the eye's optical power.

Lens:
The transparent, biconvex lens of the eye helps bring rays of light to focus on the retina.

Macula (MAK-yoo-luh):
The small, specialized central area of the retina, the macula is responsible for acute central vision.

Optic Nerve:
Carries impulses for sight from the retina to the brain.

Pupil:
The variable-sized black circular opening in the center of the iris, the pupil regulates the amount of light that enters the eye.

Retina (RET-ih-huh):
The lining of the rear two-thirds of the eye, the retina converts images from the eye's optical system into electrical impulses sent along the Optic Nerve to the brain.

Vitreous (VIT-ree-us):
The transparent, colorless, gelatinous mass that fills the rear two-thirds of the interior of the eyeball, between the lens and the retina.

 

* Excerpted from Dictionary of Eye Terminology by Barbara Cassin, Copyright 1984-2001 by Barbara Cassin and Triad Communications, Inc.