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Anatomy and physiology:

Even though the eye is small, only about 1 inch in diameter, it serves a very important function - your
sense of sight. Vision is arguably the most used of the 5 senses and is one of the primary means that we
use to gather information from our surroundings.

The eye is often compared to a camera. Each gathers light and then transforms that light into a “picture.”
Both also have lenses to focus the incoming light. A camera uses the film to create a picture, whereas the
eye uses a specialized layer of cells, called the retina, to produce an image.

RETINA:

The retina acts like the film in a camera to create an image. To do this, the retina, a specialized layer of
cells, converts light signals into nerve signals. After light signals are converted into nerve signals, the
retina sends these signals to the optic nerve, which carries the signals to the brain. There, the brain helps
process the image.

The retina is primarily made up of 2 distinct types of cells: rods and cones. Rods are more sensitive to
light; therefore, they allow you to see in low light situations but do not allow you to see colour. Cones, on
the other hand, allow you to see colour but require more light.

The macula is located in the central part of the retina. It is the area of the retina that is responsible for
giving you sharp central vision.

The choroid is a layer of tissue that separates the retina and the sclera. It is mostly made up of blood
vessels. The choroid helps nourish the retina.

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