MAIN Health The Human Body Eyes

Our eyes are one of the truly amazing organs on the body.

The design of the human eye is similar to most mammals. It can see an astounding 2.7 million different colors, and can move up, down and around to allow a 200-degree range of sight.

How the eye works

Like a camera, the eye seems to simple enough to use, but go ahead and check the lens and inner workings - and discover a fascinatingly complex mechanism that captures and interprets millions of pictures a day that shapes our view of the world.

In essence, the human eye works by allowing light to hit the retina located in the inner surface of the eye. The retina contains light sensitive cells known as cones and rods (looking for all the world like a tiny microchip) causing them to change chemically, which in turn triggers nerve impulses to the brain. The brain, in turn, interprets the data coming in as light and shadow, form and color — all in strikingly vivid 3D.

Maintaining good vision - did you ever see a blind rabbit?

Eyes certainly are one of the most complex organs on the human body, but they are relatively easy to maintain. An important way to keep eyes healthy is to get enough of what kids call "rabbit food" such as carrots or corn that containing plenty of vitamin A.

Unfortunately, one of the first things that people with a deficiency of this important nutrient will experience is impaired sight, particularly with respect to night vision.

Often, maintaining good vision also often comes down to a few easy steps for resting the eyes and avoiding overuse. Simple measures like wearing proper UV-rated sunglasses to avoid sun damage — and taking small breaks every once in awhile to rest the eyes from the glare of a computer screen — can prevent damage that accumulates over time.

Eyes should be also checked periodically, or at least once a year eye as we grow older to avoid age-related eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration which are are easier to treat the earlier they are caught.

More about the human eye around the Web:

Diagram of the Eye - Cool interactive illustration naming the retina, cornea, lens and various other parts of the eye with brief explanations.

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology of the Human Eye - First-rate, comprehensive facts & information on how the eye works including diagrams, photos & illustrations, online color and vision tests, related resources.

Neuroscience for Kids - The Eye - Kid-friendly discussion on how the eye works with illustrations & diagrams, list of major eye parts and their functions, with related fun facts and resources.