Anatomy of Vision

The links in this section explore the anatomy of the eye and the physiology of vision. The definitions and glossaries clarify the terminology of optometry, ophthalmology, and other vision-related professions.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic:

Anatomy of Vision

Anatomy of the Eye, LensShopper
An interactive animated dictionary illustrating the workings of the human eye.

The Anatomy of the Eye, Lighthouse International
Each element of the eye is explained in detail and illustrated with colorful diagrams.

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology of the Human Eye, Ted M. Montgomery
Describes the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the human eye; includes graphics, photos, and information about medications.

Diagram of the Eye, National Eye Institute
This interactive eye diagram includes definitions, multiple perspectives, and enlargeable views.

The Eye and How We See, Prevent Blindness America
This interactive diagram shows the main parts of the eye; includes zoomable views and a glossary.

The Eye and Vision, VisionAWARE
This colorful diagram of the eye helps explain vision changes, vision loss, and eye disorders and diseases.

How the Eye Works, Royal National Institute of Blind People
Information on how the eye works, the role of each part of the eye, and how they create vision.

Parts of the Eye: See All You Can See, National Eye Institute
This site teaches children about the different parts of the eye; includes an audio description and interactive flash activities.

Root Atlas: Educational Eye videos
Videos illustrating a wide variety of ocular pathology, working from the cornea back to the retina.

The Visual Pathway, Sarah J. Blake
Each link leads to a description of one of the eight structures of the visual pathway: The Cornea, The Aqueous Humour, The Pupil and the Iris, The Lens, The Vitreous, Humour, The Retina,  The Optic Nerve and The Brain.

Vision:  A School Program for Grades 4-8, National Eye Institute
This series of three lessons for grades 4–8 covers the visual system, eye conditions and diseases, and eye safety.

Anatomy of the Eye: Organizations and Resources to Explore

National Eye Institute
A leading site for eye health information--includes basic and clinical research topics, professional and educational resources.

See All You Can See, National Eye Institute
The National Eye Institute's website for children includes sections on eye anatomy, optical illusions, and eye safety.

Definitions of Eye Terminology

Glossary, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
Definition of terms related to eye conditions and vision disorders.

Glossary, Prevent Blindness America
A comprehensive list of definitions related to vision.

Glossary of Eye Conditions, American Foundation for the Blind
This glossary of eye conditions includes links to further resources.

Glossary of Eye-Related Terms, EyeCare America
A comprehensive glossary of eye-related terms with mini-definitions within definitions and phonetic pronunciations.

Glossary of Eye, Vision, and Vision Rehabilitation Terminology, VisionAWARE
This glossary explains terms used by eye doctors, low vision specialists, and rehabilitation specialists, and includes symptoms, tests, treatments, surgery, diseases and conditions, anatomy.

Glossary of Ocular Terms, Ted M. Montgomery, O.D.
A listing of the terms included in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology of the Human Eye; many of the terms link to pages with further descriptions.

Glossary for Vision Problems in the U.S., Prevent Blindness America
Includes a colorful diagram of the eye with in-depth definitions of its elements.