Frequently Asked Questions
-
What causes nearsightedness and farsightedness?
Nearsightedness (myopia) occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina. Farsightedness (hyperopia) results from an eyeball that is too short or a cornea with insufficient curvature, causing light to focus behind the retina.
-
How does the eye perceive color?
The eye perceives color through special cells called cones located in the retina. Cones are sensitive to different wavelengths of light, allowing us to see a spectrum of colors. There are three types of cones: those sensitive to short wavelengths (blue), medium wavelengths (green), and long wavelengths (red).
-
What is the purpose of tears?
Tears serve multiple purposes, including keeping the eye surface lubricated, preventing dryness, and washing away debris. Tears also contain enzymes and antibodies that protect the eye from infections. Emotional tears, triggered by emotions like joy or sadness, have a different chemical composition.
-
What is the role of the cornea in
vision?
The cornea is the clear, front part of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil. It plays a crucial role in focusing light as it enters the eye. The cornea bends (refracts) incoming light to help focus it directly onto the retina, contributing to clear vision.
-
Why do our eyes adjust to different
lighting conditions?
The eyes adjust to different lighting conditions to optimize vision. In bright light, the pupils constrict to reduce the amount of light entering the eyes. In low light, the pupils dilate to allow more light in. This automatic adjustment is controlled by the iris muscles, helping maintain optimal vision in various environments.
Make an Appointment
Contact Us
Location:
100 Balhambra Way
Newholme,
Pietermaritzburg
3201
Email:
admin@jazoptometrist.co.za
Call:
(033) 032 0199