The eyes are the most important human sensory organ. They are used in particular for orientation and visual perception. Various ailments and diseases can affect the functioning of the Visual process however, limit it.
What is the process of seeing?
The eyes are the most important human sensory organ. They are used in particular for orientation and visual perception.The process of seeing takes place via complex mechanisms in the brain and eyes. Light is decisive for the transmission of images. This causes a reaction on the retina that results in an electrical stimulus. With the help of certain nerves, the eyes manage to transmit the impulse to the brain. The information is changed on the way from the retina to the brain in such a way that other structures can process the stimuli.
The process of seeing does not only include the mechanical process that leads to the image of the environment, but also the psychological consequences that result from what is seen. After the stimuli have reached the brain, it has to interpret and analyze the received impulses.
The interpretation is influenced by various factors. These include, for example, experiences, memories and individual developments. As a result, the perception is different from person to person and cannot be described as identical.
Function & task
In the visual process, the incident light plays a decisive role so that the objects in the environment can be perceived. Light is electromagnetic radiation that occurs in waves. The different wavelengths are responsible for the differentiated colors.
The smallest elements of light are formed by photons. These in turn succeed in conveying a stimulus to the eye. In the process of seeing, light falls through the cornea, pupil, lens and vitreous humor.
Only when the retina has been crossed can the image be formed. The cornea and lens break the light at such an angle that the eye is able to receive the stimuli. If the light is not refracted correctly, the image will be blurred. This is how myopia and farsightedness arise, for example.
The information is then received by neurons through several routes. The rod and suppository cells, which are highly sensitive to light, are particularly important here.
Neurons are the nerve cells of the human organism. Depending on their type, they can transform stimuli and pass them on in different ways. The further transport takes place via the cell processes, the so-called axons. As soon as the stimuli have reached the neurons, the optic nerve can transport them to the brain.
Forwarding takes place via the visual pathway. This is the connection between the eye and the brain. Its beginning can be found in the retina of the eye, the further course takes place via the optic nerve.
The corpus geniculatum laterale ensures a further change in the stimuli in the visual radiation. The visual radiation in turn reaches into the rear lobes of the brain. The visual centers can be localized in this region. These manage to process the information from the retina and trigger appropriate reactions.
The visual cortex, for example, is particularly important for this process. It is responsible for the conscious perception of what is seen and for the assignment of interpretations and emotions.
The process of seeing is particularly useful for orientation. In this way your own situation can be assessed. A total of 80 percent of all information that reaches the brain via the environment is supplied through the eyes. The human eye succeeds in differentiating around 150 colors.
The importance of the visual process usually only becomes clear when it comes to visual impairments. The eyes not only enable orientation, in this way it is also possible to perceive all objects. Objects can be bypassed and tools can be picked up for further processing.
Vision is also used for communication. This includes, on the one hand, observing the lips while speaking, and, on the other hand, facial expressions and gestures, which provide the subconscious with certain stimuli and information.
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The visual process can be restricted in different ways. The strongest phenomenon is blindness, which completely hampers visual perception. However, nearsightedness or farsightedness develop more frequently.
Short-sighted people take a blurry image of the environment. Objects that are only a few centimeters away can usually be seen clearly. The larger the distance, however, the more the image becomes blurred.
Myopia is caused by a light beam that is not optimally refracted. The light is focused in the retina. An eyeball that is too long or an increased refractive power of the lens are responsible for the fact that the elements of the visual process are no longer optimally coordinated. The triggers of myopia are often inherited and manifest themselves during the first three decades of life.
Far-sightedness, on the other hand, means that distant objects are perceived sharply, while nearby elements appear blurred. If the refractive power of the individual structures of the eye is too weak, the light is focused too late and the image is blurred.
Farsightedness is usually diagnosed at birth. The decisive factor is often too short an eyeball. Compared to myopia, however, farsightedness is less common.
Both ametropia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. The poor eyesight can worsen in the further course of life. Therefore, regular adjustment of the glasses may be necessary. If there is no pathological change in the eyes, loss of eyesight is not to be expected due to myopia or farsightedness.