THE

Lens

The Lens:

• Sits behind the iris, helps us focus on objects and images

• Part of the eye that swells with increases in blood sugar; this can cause a shift in one's glasses prescription and can aid in the diagnosis of diabetes

• Muscles surrounding the lens become less flexible with age and the lens thickens, causing a decrease in near vision around the age of 40 (known as presbyopia)

• Cataracts affect this part of the eye.  Most patients with age-related cataracts have the lens removed in their 60s-70s.

THE

Cornea

The Cornea:

• Clear part of the eye that vaults over the iris, the colored part of the eye

• Contact lenses sit on this part of eye. Painful ulcers and scars can occur if contacts are not worn or cleaned properly.

• Curvature of the cornea (known as astigmatism) can affect vision, but is correctable with glasses/contacts.

THE

Optic Nerve

The Optic Nerve:

• Sends signals to and from the brain from the eye

• Glaucoma is the most common disease affecting the optic nerve. Glaucoma can cause loss of peripheral (side) vision and can sometimes lead to blindness.

THE

Retina

The Retina:

• The tissue that lines the back of the eye that is composed of several layers, one of which contains millions of cells called rods and cones

• Rods help us with peripheral and low-light vision, while cones are located in the macula and help us with color, detailed, and central vision

• The retina sends signals to the optic nerve and this helps us see

• Some conditions affecting the retina include:

  • Macular Degeneration

  • Diabetic Retinopathy

  • Hypertensive Retinopathy

  • Retinal Tear / Detachment