Optical system of the eye

The optical system of the eye consists of specialized anatomical structures—the cornea, aqueous humor, lens, vitreous body, and retina—that work together to focus light, control its entry, and enable vision. The cornea and lens provide the majority of refractive power, adjusting focus by changing curvature (accommodation via the lens and ciliary muscle). The iris regulates the amount of light entering the eye by altering pupil diameter. Light passes through these elements and is focused onto the retina, where photoreceptor molecules such as opsins initiate signal transduction to neural tissue. The system may be affected by optical aberrations, aging, and pathologies of individual components including cataract, myopia/hyperopia, and presbyopia. Drugs and interventions generally target specific parts (e.g., lens, ciliary muscle, retina), not the optical system in its entirety.

Other names

Ocular optical systemEye optical systemVisual optics