The iris is the coloured part of the eye. A circular muscle in the
iris controls the amount of light entering the eye through the pupil, the black
area in the centre of the iris.
The cornea is the outer clear, round structure that covers the iris and the pupil. The cornea directs light rays
into the eye and helps focus them on the light-sensitive retina at the back of
the eye, providing sharp, clear vision.
The lens is located behind the iris and is normally clear. Light passes through the pupil to the lens. Small muscles attached to the lens can make the lens change shape, allowing the eyes to focus on near or far objects.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology |
| Last Revised | December 19, 2012 |
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Last Revised:
December 19, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology