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Source: Courtesy of the National Eye Institute

Cornea
The clear outer part of the eye’s focusing system located at the front of the eye.

Fovea
The center of the macula; gives the sharpest vision.

Iris
The colored part of the eye that regulates the amount of light entering the eye.

Lens
A clear part of the eye behind the iris that helps to focus light or an image on the retina.

Macula
The small sensitive area of the retina that gives central vision. It is located in the center of the retina and contains the fovea.

Optic Nerve
A bundle of more than one million nerve fibers that carries visual messages from the retina to the brain.

Pupil
The opening at the center of the iris. The iris adjusts the size of the pupil and controls the amount of light that can enter the eye.

Retina
The light-sensitive tissue lining at the back of the eye. The retina converts light into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain through the optic nerve.

Vitreous Gel
A clear gel that fills the inside of the eye.

Recommended Resources

• Eye Conditions
• What to Expect at the Eye Doctor’s Office
• Common Questions Asked by Parents of Children Who Are Visually Impaired
• FamilyConnect Message Boards—Share your experiences and questions with other parents of children who are blind or visually impaired