What is the human eye? And how does it work? Here at Coloured Contacts, we’re always doing our best to answer your contact lens FAQs, but today we’re going to go one step further and talk about the eye itself. After all, the eye is one of the most complex organs in the human body, and it’s something that most of us use every day. So, what is it? And what do all the different components do? Keep reading for our answer to your most burning eye anatomy questions, plus a handy glossary of eye anatomy terms and a deep dive into how contact lenses work.
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About the Eye
How does the eye work?
While the human eye is incredibly complex, here is a simple summary of how it works: First, light hits the eye and passes through the pupil. These light rays are refracted onto the back of your eye (the retina). This light signal is then passed up to the brain through the optic nerve, and this is how we ‘see’ our surroundings.
Glossary
Parts of the Eye:
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Iris- the pigmented tissue behind the cornea (the colourful part of your eye).
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Sclera- the white of your eye, which acts as a protective layer around the cornea.
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Pupil- the black part in the centre of your eye. Can constrict or dilate to change how much light enters the eye.
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Cornea- the transparent covering of the eye.
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Retina- the back of your eye, formed by light-sensitive nerve tissue. Collects light signals to send up to the brain.
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Central Fovea- the spot responsible for colour perception.
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Visual Nerve- AKA the optic nerve. Takes light signals up to the brain.
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Choroid- a layer of blood vessels around the eye, carrying oxygen back and forth.
Parts of your Contact Lenses-
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Soft Exterior- the outer layer of the lens. This can be more or less flexible depending on the type of lens.
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Pupil Area- this is usually clear to allow you to see, but may be covered in styles like the Blind or Mesh lenses.
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Colourants- this is the pigment that gives the lens its colour. Lenses with more colourants will be more visible over dark eyes.
How do contact lenses work?
Contact lenses go over the human eye to alter vision or appearance. Some lenses are clear and function as corrective lenses only. When shopping for contact lenses, you should always make sure that you find the correct prescription for you, so that you can see clearly. You may also buy lenses for their different styles or colours. Just remember to check the measurements, flexibility, and materials of your lenses before purchasing them. Contact lenses are fun, but your eyes are very important, and so you should always treat your lenses with the utmost care and safety. Want to know more about buying and looking after your contact lenses? Read our contact lens care guides below.
