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Suite 5A, Level 1, 1-17 Elsie Street

Burwood NSW 2134

Telephone:

(02) 8090 8010

The Normal Eye

The eye works like a camera taking pictures for the brain to process. For vision to be clearly processed by the brain an accurate and clear picture must be focused on the retina, the inside lining at the back of the eye. It is important that the image is formed on the retina, if it is in front of the retina then only up close is clear (short sighted or myopia) and if the focus is behind the retina then only far will be clear (long-sighted or hyperopia).

 Anything degrading the image reaching the retina will reduce vision, such as a cataract or corneal opacity. Additionally even if a well focused image is formed on the retina anything distorting the retina will degrade vision such as swelling or bleeding.  The latter is seen in diabetes and macular degeneration.

From the retina the image is converted to electricity and sent via the optic nerve to the brain. The optic nerve can be affected by various conditions such as glaucoma.

Finally the brain has various areas devoted to the processing of vision. Conditions affecting the brain's visual centers will affect an individuals visual perception.