How the Eye Works

Our eyes are incredible organs that give us a window into the wonders of the world. Understanding how your eye works can help immensely when trying to comprehend changes in your eyesight that may occur.

The thickest layer of our eye consists of the sclera, which is the white part of our eyes and gives them their round shape, and a clear structure called the cornea.

The cornea works to focus light as it comes into the eye.

After passing through the cornea, light comes to the pupil, the hole which can be found at the center of your iris (the colored part of your eye, which is actually a muscle). The pupil will expand or contract in order to let in the appropriate amount of light.

Once light has made it through the pupil, it reaches the lens. The muscles that hold the transparent lens will tighten or relax, adjusting the shape of the lens and allowing you to focus your vision on something either near or far. The image will then be flipped upside-down as it passes through to the back of the eye, where it is received by a sensitive inner layer of the eye called the retina.

The retina converts this image into electrical signals, which are then sent through the optic nerve to the brain. When these signals reach the brain, they are translated into images, allowing us to see.

Contact Cascadia Eye

If you would like to learn more, or if you would like to schedule an appointment or consultation with our talented doctors at Cascadia Eye, please contact us today or use our online scheduler. You may also pre-shop for glasses at our online pre-shopping page any time. Our entire team is committed to protecting and improving your vision and the health of your eyes. We are happy to answer any questions you might have!

In addition, join us on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube to ask your questions about eyes, exams, and our practice. We’d love to hear from you – and there might be a blog to address your questions in the future.