Range of Powers of Eye Lens - Optics Question

In summary, the human eyeball has a spherical shape with a diameter of 25mm and has a compound lens at the front with a variable focal length and a cornea of fixed focal length at a distance of 17mm from the retina. It is able to focus on objects at varying distances from 25cm to infinity. The range of lens powers that can be achieved by the lens and cornea in combination can be estimated by using the lens formula and taking the object distance to be at infinity and at the near point of 25cm.
  • #1
Keano16
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Homework Statement



The human eyeball is approximately spherical with a diameter of around 25mm. At the back of the eye is the retina, while at the front is a compound lens comprising the cornea (of fixed focal length) and the lens itself (with variable focal length), which can be approximated as a thin lens at a distance of 17mm from the retina. The eye is capable of focusing on objects at distances varying from the near point (about 25cm) to infinity. Estimate the range of lens powers which can be achieved by the lens and the cornea in combination.

Homework Equations



Power = 1/f
1/u + 1/v = 1/f


The Attempt at a Solution



I was wondering if we could get the expression for 1/f for each one of the cornea and the lens, and them add them and take the reciprocal to find the total power, though I am not sure whether it applies to this case?

As far as the range is concerned, I presume it basically entails taking the object distance to be at infinity and at the near point (25cm)

Any help would be great.
 
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  • #2
With the object at infinity you get f (and the power of the lens combination) directly from the retinal distance.
The other extreme is with the object at 25cm. The focal length (and power) is found in this case using the lens formula you have quoted.
This gives the range of powers.
 

Related to Range of Powers of Eye Lens - Optics Question

1. What is the range of powers of the eye lens?

The range of powers of the eye lens is typically between +40 to -20 diopters. Diopters are the unit of measurement for the refractive power of a lens. A diopter of +40 means that the lens has a strong positive refractive power, while a diopter of -20 means that the lens has a strong negative refractive power.

2. How does the eye lens change its power for near and far vision?

The eye lens changes its power through a process called accommodation. When we look at something close up, the ciliary muscles surrounding the lens contract, causing the lens to become more curved and increasing its refractive power. This allows us to focus on near objects. When we look at something far away, the ciliary muscles relax and the lens becomes less curved, decreasing its refractive power for distance vision.

3. What is the role of the eye lens in vision?

The eye lens plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It does this by bending or refracting the light that enters the eye, allowing us to see objects clearly at different distances. The eye lens also works with the cornea, which is the clear outer covering of the eye, to focus light onto the retina.

4. Can the eye lens be replaced or corrected with surgery?

Yes, the eye lens can be replaced or corrected with surgery. This is commonly done for people with cataracts, a condition where the eye lens becomes cloudy and affects vision. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, can also be done to reshape the cornea and correct vision for people with refractive errors.

5. How can changes in the eye lens affect our vision as we age?

As we age, the eye lens becomes less flexible and loses some of its ability to change shape for near vision. This is known as presbyopia and is a normal part of aging. It can result in difficulty seeing objects up close and may require the use of reading glasses or bifocals. Additionally, the eye lens may also become clouded with age, causing cataracts and affecting vision. Regular eye exams can help detect and manage any changes in the eye lens as we age.

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