Ever wondered how your eyes make sense of light?

Here's how it works: When light enters your eyes, it reaches the retina, a special layer at the back of the eye. The retina converts light into signals that your brain processes, helping you see and understand the world around you.

The retina has five layers of cells: receptors, horizontal cells, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, and retinal ganglion cells. Each layer plays a unique role in transmitting information to the brain. The horizontal and amacrine cells help spread this information across the retina.

At the center of the retina is the fovea, a small area that provides the sharp detail in your vision. This area is key for tasks like reading or focusing on objects up close. 

source: Pinel, J. P. J., & Barnes, S. J. (2017). Biopsychology (10th ed.). Pearson.

And here’s an interesting fact: even though you have a blind spot in your vision, your brain cleverly “fills in” the gaps, so you never notice it! It’s all part of how your brain helps create a complete picture of what you see.

The way the retina works is a reminder of just how incredible our bodies are! 


Reference:
Pinel, J. P. J., & Barnes, S. J. (2017). Biopsychology (10th ed.). Pearson.