Cornea
The clear front surface of the eye. It bends much of the incoming light and helps focus the image.
EYE HEALTH TOOLS
Explore how the eye works
Select a part in the cross-section to see what it does and which examinations or conditions relate to it.
Reference: parts of the eye
The interactive illustration above is a simplified explanation. The same core information is provided below as readable text so it remains available without interaction.
Iris and pupil
The iris changes pupil size and controls how much light enters the eye.
Lens
The natural lens helps focus light on the retina and changes focus for different viewing distances. Clouding of the lens is called a cataract.
Vitreous
The clear gel filling most of the eye. Changes in the vitreous can cause floaters.
Retina
Light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals.
Macula
The central area of the retina responsible for detailed central vision, reading and recognising faces.
Optic nerve
The bundle of nerve fibres that carries visual signals from the retina to the brain.