Dr Moïse Tourabaly · Optics of the eye

Myopia, hyperopia: where the image forms

Simplified cross-section of the eye and path of the light rays according to the type of eye. Cross-section of the eye in profile with the cornea, the lens and the retina at the back. The light rays converge on the retina in the normal eye, in front of the retina in the myopic eye, and behind the retina in the hyperopic eye. retina fovea sharp image on the retina focus image in front of the retina focus image behind the retina

Normal eye: the rays converge exactly on the retina. The image forms sharply, up close as well as far away.

Myopic eye: the eye is too convergent or too long, and the image forms in front of the retina. Distance vision is blurred.

Hyperopic eye: the image forms behind the retina. The eye has to make an effort of accommodation, a source of eye strain.

Light rays Retina Convergence point

Diagram for educational purposes. It does not replace an ophthalmological examination. Results vary from one patient to another.