Understanding how the eye works is the first step in trying to understand eye diseases. The eye is a wonderfully efficient and complex part of the body. It is round and protected by a tough, white covering called the sclera. At the front of the eye, a clear window called the cornea lets light in.The iris, the coloured part of the eye, controls the amount of light that can enter by automatically opening and closing the pupil.

The lens focuses the light onto the retina in the back of the eye like a camera lens focuses on film. Nerve fibres and blood vessels in the retina gather together to form the optic nerve, which carries images to the brain.

The place where the optic nerve leaves the eye is called the optic disc. Your eyes and sight are irreplaceable. Consider just for a moment what it would be like without them. Neglected eyes or visual problems can lead to unnecessary loss or impairment of sight.

A complete medical eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist can detect subtle changes in the eyes. These changes may also signal the beginning of sight- or health-threatening conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, ateriosclerosis, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, kidney disease or blood disease. Many disorders can be treated with today’s modern technology.