The Opticians Association of Vermont/OAVonline The Opticians Association of Vermont/OAVonline

How the Eyes Work

Eye Anatomy 101

The eye has many parts that work together to create vision. The eyes themselves are only part of “seeing.” The brain is also involved. The eyes, though, begin the complex process of vision by gathering, focusing and passing on visual information to the brain. To help you learn how the eye works,

How the Eyes Work

Binocular Vision

The human visual system is a complex network including the eye, ocular nerves, and key brain areas that process visual information. Under most circumstances, we use information from both eyes to create a single visual image. This ability to converge information from both eyes is called binocular vision.

Image of the five different senses connecting to a brain.

How the Eyes Work

Eye Perception

Visual perception refers to a set of skills used to collect and interpret visual information taken in from our environment. The visual information gathered is combined with our other senses, allowing us to derive meaning from what we see. Through the process of merging visual data with our other senses,

Eye Symptoms

Tearing

Suffering from watery eyes, also known as tearing, or epiphora, is a condition that happens when the eyes make too many tears or produce them constantly. There are many causes of excessive tearing, but only a few are signs of more serious conditions. Causes of Excessive Tearing One of two things often

Eye Symptoms

Swollen Eyelids

Swollen eyelids are a fairly common eye condition caused by inflammation or excess fluid in the connective tissues surrounding the eye. Depending on the cause, swollen eyelids can be painful or not painful and affect the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both. Swollen eyes can be caused by many different

Image of an elderly woman rubbing her eyes.

Eye Symptoms

Sleep in the Eyes (Eye Discharge)

Sometimes referred to as "sleep" or eye matter, eye discharge that appears in normal consistency upon waking is a typical part of your body's defense mechanisms, protecting your eyes from bacteria or other irritants. Eye discharge that appears in abnormal consistency, color, or quantities might be a

Article

Eye Anatomy 101

Binocular Vision

Eye Perception

Tearing

Swollen Eyelids

Sleep in the Eyes (Eye Discharge)