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e describe a model of the human eye that b) Nearsighted eye (myopia). The optical system of
incorporates a variable converging lens. the nearsighted eye has a refractive power that is
The model can be easily constructed too large relative to the axial length. The focused
by students with low-cost materials. It shows in a image from a distant object will be formed in
comprehensible way the functionality of the eye’s front of the retina. Thus, the image that is formed
optical system. Images of near and far objects can be on the retina will be out of focus. However, if the
focused. Also, the defects of near and farsighted eyes object is near to the eye, the image on the retina
will be in focus. Fig. 1(b1) shows axial myopia, in
can be demonstrated.
which the refractive power of the crystalline lens
A commercial product is available for demonstrat-
is normal but the eyeball is too long. Fig. 1(b2)
ing the optics of the eye.1 This model is based on the
shows refractive myopia, in which the length of
Ingersoll Eye Model, which was sold by Cenco and is the eyeball is normal but the refractive power of
apparently no longer available. However, this model the lens is too strong.
does not have the variable lens capability. One with a
c) Farsighted eye (hyperopia). The optical system of
variable lens is quite expensive.2
the farsighted eye has a refractive power that is too
Functionality of the Eye weak relative to the axial length of the eye. There-
fore, the relaxed hyperopic eye focuses the image
The task of the eye’s optical system is to create an of distant objects behind the retina, resulting in a
optimal sharp image of the external world on the reti- blurred image on the retina. Looking at closer ob-
na.3 With a normal eye, rays from objects at many dif- jects makes the vision worse by moving the image
ferent distances pass through the lenses and fluids and even farther behind the retina.
are focused on the retina. Defects in the eye’s optical
system can lead to many different difficulties in see- In younger people, the crystalline lens can often
ing. Here we consider the normal-sighted eye and two accommodate enough to overcome the need for more
common problems—nearsighted and farsighted eyes. refractive power. This accommodation results in clear
images, at least for distant objects. As the hyperopic
a) Normal-sighted eye. The optical system of the eye ages, accommodation initially fails for near ob-
eye focuses all parallel rays coming from a distant jects, and later for distant objects.
point object at a quasi point P on the retina [Fig. Fig. 1(c1) shows axial hyperopia, in which the opti-
1(a)]. When the eye is looking at a near point P, cal system of the eye is normal but the eyeball is too
an increase in the curvature of the crystalline lens short. Fig. 1(c2) shows refractive hyperopia, in which
focuses divergent rays coming from that point. the eyeball is normal in length but the optical system
Like the point P, all other points of the object are of the eye has insufficient converging power.
focused at separate points of the retina, where they As shown in Fig. 1, the lens of the eye must change
form a sharp image of the object.
528 DOI: 10.1119/1.3023653 The Physics Teacher ◆ Vol. 46, December 2008
-
Fig. 1. Focusing in normal and defective eyes for distant Fig. 2. Eye model (above) from the front and from behind
(left) and near (right) objects. (below); the inside is painted black in order to decrease
reflected light.