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Vision

Vision

Vision is the result of light being detected and transduced into neural signals by the retina of the eye. This information is then further analyzed and interpreted by the brain. First, light enters the front of the eye and is focused by the cornea and lens onto the retina—a thin sheet of neural tissue lining the back of the eye. Because of refraction through the convex lens of the eye, images are projected onto the retina upside-down and reversed.

Depth Perception and Spatial Vision

Depth Perception and Spatial Vision

Depth perception is the ability to perceive objects three-dimensionally. It relies on two types of cues: binocular and monocular. Binocular cues depend on the combination of images from both eyes and how the eyes work together. Since the eyes are in slightly different positions, each eye captures a slightly different image. This disparity between images, known as binocular disparity, helps the brain interpret depth. When the brain compares these images, it determines the distance to an object.

Focusing of Light in the Eye

Focusing of Light in the Eye

Light rays enter the eye through the cornea, a transparent dome-shaped tissue that is the eye's outermost layer. The cornea bends or refracts, light rays traveling to the pupil. The shape of the cornea determines how much of the light is bent and whether the image will be focused correctly on the retina at the back of the eye. Once the light has passed through both refraction layers, it converges into a single focal point onto a small area. This is where photoreceptors start transforming...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Bringing the Visible Universe into Focus with Robo-AO

Bringing the Visible Universe into Focus with Robo-AO

Published on: February 12, 2013

Beyond what the eye can see.

Kate E Ahmad¹, Clare L Fraser², Carolyn M Sue³

¹Department of Neurology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

Survey of Ophthalmology

|February 28, 2016

Summary

A rare mitochondrial DNA mutation, m.13513G>A, caused acute blindness in a patient. Early genetic testing is crucial for diagnosing mitochondrial diseases presenting as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy.

Keywords:

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy deafness and diabetes genetic visual loss mitochondrial disease optic neuropathy

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Last Updated: Mar 25, 2026

Bringing the Visible Universe into Focus with Robo-AO

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Published on: February 12, 2013

Automated Charting of the Visual Space of Housefly Compound Eyes

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Published on: March 31, 2022

The Gateway to the Brain: Dissecting the Primate Eye

The Gateway to the Brain: Dissecting the Primate Eye

Published on: May 27, 2009

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Genetics
Neurology

Background:

A 45-year-old woman experienced sudden, severe vision loss.
Her medical history included preeclampsia, renal failure, diabetes, and prior hearing loss.

Observation:

Standard tests for optic neuropathy were inconclusive.
Family history of diabetes and patient's hearing loss suggested mitochondrial disease.

Findings:

The patient lacked common Leber hereditary optic neuropathy mutations.
A novel mitochondrial DNA mutation, m.13513G>A, was identified as the cause.

Implications:

This case highlights the need for broader genetic testing for mitochondrial disorders.
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy-like symptoms may indicate rarer mutations.