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Correcting eye defects

Cells and control · The eye · note 3 of 3

Correcting eye defectsSpec 2.17B

How eye defects are corrected
DefectCorrection
Long-sightednessA convex lens (glasses or contact lenses) bends light inwards before it enters the eye, so it focuses on the retina instead of behind it.
Short-sightednessA concave lens (glasses or contact lenses) spreads the light out before it enters the eye, so it focuses on the retina instead of in front of it.
Long- or short-sightedness (other option)Laser eye surgery changes the shape of the cornea, so that light is focused on the retina.
CataractsSurgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens.
Ray diagrams: in long-sightedness light focuses behind the retina, and a convex lens in front of the eye makes it focus on the retina; in short-sightedness light focuses in front of the retina, and a concave lens makes it focus on the retina.Tap to enlarge
A convex lens corrects long-sightedness; a concave lens corrects short-sightedness. Both make light focus on the retina.

Quick check

  1. What does the iris do?

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    It controls how much light enters the eye.

  2. What is the difference between rod and cone cells?

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    Rods work in dim light and do not detect colour. Cones detect colour and work in bright light.

  3. What causes cataracts?

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    The lens becomes cloudy, so less light reaches the retina.

  4. What type of lens corrects short-sightedness?

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    A concave lens.

  5. Why can some people not tell red and green apart?

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    One or more types of cone cell are missing or not working properly.

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