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Eyes

7-minute read

Key facts

  • Eyes are organs that allow you to see and help keep your balance.
  • When you look at something, light enters your eye and travels to your retina which sends signals to your brain which allows you to see.
  • There are many different eye conditions such as macular degeneration and eye infections that can affect your vision.
  • Taking care of your eyes can prevent some eye problems.
  • Eye check-ups with an optometrist help diagnose and manage vision problems and are recommended at least every 2 years.

What are eyes?

Eyes are the organs we use to see. In some ways, they work like a camera.

There are many parts that make up an eye. These parts work together to allow you to see shapes and colours.

What is the function of the eyes?

Your eyes catch light and send messages to your brain. Your brain organises these messages together to let you see your surroundings. You can recognise faces, notice fine details and see colours. This is also known as your sight or vision.

Together with your ears and muscles, your eyes also help you keep your balance.

What are the different parts of the eyes?

Your eye has many parts that help capture light. If you look at one of your eyes in the mirror, you can see:

Other parts of your eye that you can't see are:

Diagram of the human eye.

How do eyes work?

Light reflects from an object when you look at it. This light enters your eye through your pupil. Your pupil, cornea, iris and lens focus the image. Then it travels to the centre of your retina.

The retina is a layer that covers the back of your eye. It has millions of nerve cells that together form a long nerve called the optic nerve. The optic nerves from both of your eyes join inside your brain. Here they work together.

When light stimulates the nerve cells, they send messages to your brain. Your brain uses the information from each optic nerve to create vision. This allows you to see.

What medical conditions are related to the eyes?

Here are 5 common eye conditions that affect Australians:

Some people are born with vision impairments. This can be caused by certain genetic conditions, such as albinism or colour blindness.

Vision can also be damaged by:

Vision Impairments

Vision impairments (difficulties) are the most common eye problems. One common example is known as ‘refractive errors’. These cause blurred vision. The most common types of refractive errors are:

Eye infections

Eye infections include:

Eye infections are caused by or associated with:

Eye infections can cause red, itchy, painful eyes, and can sometimes cause vision loss if not treated quickly.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience a sudden change in your vision or vision loss. If your doctor or optometrist is not available, go to your nearest hospital emergency department, or call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

How can I take care of my eyes?

It is important to look after your eyes. Eye problems can affect your education, work, social life and mental health.

Most eye problems can be prevented. Here’s how to take care of your eyes:

Getting your eyes checked

Optometrists are qualified health professionals and can help diagnose vision problems through eye tests. They can also help treat and manage vision problems.

It is recommended to have your eyes checked every 2 years. If you have an eye condition or risk factors you may need to check your eyes more often.

Even if you aren't worried about your vision, it is important to have regular eye checks to:

You should also see an optometrist if you notice any changes in your vision. Glasses or contact lenses can often help with blurry vision. It is also important to have your children’s eyes checked regularly.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Resources and support

You can find out more about eye conditions through Vision Australia or read more about taking care of your eyes.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework website for information on eye health for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

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