Unit 2: Optics And The Eye Flashcards
What is light
wave; a stream of photons, tiny particles that each consist of one quantum of energy
- Can be absorbed, diffracted, reflected, transmitted, or refracted
Absorbed
energy that is taken up transformed to other forms of energy
Transmitted
energy that is conveyed from one place to another through a transparent medium
Reflected
energy that is redirected when it strikes a surface. Usually back to origin
Refraction
energy that is altered when it passes into another medium (pencil in a cup)
Defracted
bent or having waves that spread out (waves of sound)
Why is light a useful source of information?
Can tell if food is edible. Can see danger. Social signals/emotions. Circadian rhythm
Acute vision
light is projected onto the retina such that light originating from a single point converges back into a point
- Gives ability to resolve images
6 steps in the evolution of eyes:
- Start with region of photosensitive cells (everything is blurry)
- Depressed/ folded areas allow limited acuity
- Pinhole allows for directional sensitivity and limited imaging
- Transparent humour develops to protect chamber
- Refraction: lens is formed. Allows in more light by refraction
- Human eye: cornea forms its own lens = more refraction
Path of light:
- enters through the cornea (first refractive power)
- Aqueous humour (second refractive power)
- Iris/pupil
- Lens (third refractive power)
- Vitreous humour (fourth refractive power)
- Focuses on a point on the retina
Optic disc
hole that blood vessels and optic nerve passes through
Fovea
ditch with no rods. For visual acuity
Ciliary muscles to see far (perpendicular light)
muscles are relaxed, lens is stretched, less refractive power needed
Ciliary muscles to see close (bent light)
muscles are contracted, lens is relaxed, more refractive power needed
4 optical components of the eye to refract light
cornea, aqueous humor, lens, vitreous humor
Emmetropia
focus light into a single dot
Myopia
near-sightedness. Difficulties seeing things far.Light is focused in front of the retina: Lens cannot be stretched enough or eyes are elongated.
Hyperopia
far-sightedness. Light is focused behind the retina. Short eye
Astigmatism
cornea is not perfectly shaped round
Cornea
the transparent window into the eyeball. Contains no blood vessels or blood (would absorb light). Does have transparent sensory nerve endings to close the eye or produce tears
Aqueous humor
watery fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye. Supplies oxygen and nutrients
Lens
the structure inside the eye that enables the changing of focus