Class 10 Science — The Human Eye
THE HUMAN EYE
Class 10 Science Notes | Complete Chapter Guide
Table of Contents
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Class 10 Science — The Human Eye
1. Introduction
The human eye is one of the most sensitive and valuable sense organs. It allows us to see the wonderful world and colours
around us. It works like a camera, forming a real and inverted image of objects on a light-sensitive screen called the retina.
The eye is roughly spherical in shape (average diameter about 2.3 cm) and is a natural optical instrument that uses refraction
of light through several transparent media to focus images.
2. Structure of the Human Eye
Light entering the eye is refracted by several structures before forming an image on the retina. The important parts and their
functions are described below.
Part Description / Function
Thin transparent bulging front part. Most of the refraction of light entering the eye
Cornea
takes place at the outer surface of the cornea.
Sclera The tough, white outer coating that protects the inner parts of the eye.
Dark, muscular, coloured diaphragm between cornea and lens; controls the size of
Iris
the pupil.
Small opening in the iris; regulates and controls the amount of light entering the eye.
Pupil
Contracts in bright light and dilates in dim light.
A convex lens made of fibrous, jelly-like tissue. It fine-tunes the focal length with
Eye lens (crystalline lens)
help of ciliary muscles to focus objects at different distances on the retina.
Hold the eye lens in position and control its curvature; contraction and relaxation
Ciliary muscles/body
change the focal length of the lens.
Light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye on which a real, inverted image is
Retina
formed; contains light receptor cells.
Rods are sensitive to dim light (black-and-white vision); cones respond to bright
Rods & Cones
light and colour (photopic vision).
Optic nerve Carries electrical signals generated by the retina to the brain for interpretation.
Watery, transparent fluid filling the space between cornea and lens; helps maintain
Aqueous humour
eyeball shape and provides nourishment.
Transparent jelly-like substance filling the space between the lens and retina;
Vitreous humour
maintains the spherical shape of the eyeball.
The point where the optic nerve leaves the eye; has no light-sensitive cells, so no
Blind spot
image is formed here.
Note: Although the eye lens contributes to focusing, most of the refraction (about two-thirds) actually occurs at the outer
surface of the cornea, since the largest change in refractive index occurs there (air to cornea).
3. Power of Accommodation
Definition: The ability of the eye lens to adjust its focal length so that images of objects at different distances (both near and
far) can be focused sharply on the retina is called the power of accommodation.
This adjustment is achieved through the ciliary muscles:
• To focus on a distant object: ciliary muscles relax → lens becomes thin → focal length increases.
• To focus on a nearby object: ciliary muscles contract → lens becomes thicker (more curved) → focal length decreases.
The eye lens cannot decrease its focal length below a certain minimum value. Hence, if an object is brought too close to the
eye, the image cannot be focused clearly, and the eye tends to strain.
4. Near Point and Far Point of the Eye
Term Definition Value for Normal
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Class 10 Science — The Human Eye
Eye
The closest distance at which an object can be seen most
Near Point (N) 25 cm
distinctly and clearly, without strain.
Far Point The farthest point up to which the eye can see objects clearly. Infinity (∞)
The near point is also called the 'least distance of distinct vision'. For a young adult with normal vision, this is taken as 25
cm; it typically increases with age.
5. Defects of Vision (Refractive Defects of the Eye)
Sometimes the eye may gradually lose its ability to accommodate properly, causing the image to be formed not exactly on the
retina. This leads to blurred vision, called a refractive defect. There are four common defects:
5.1 Myopia (Near-sightedness or Short-sightedness)
Symptom: A myopic person can see nearby objects clearly, but cannot see distant objects distinctly.
In this defect, the far point of the eye moves closer than infinity, and the image of a distant object is formed in front of the
retina (not on it).
Causes:
• Excessive curvature of the eye lens (lens becomes too strongly converging).
• Elongation of the eyeball (increase in distance between lens and retina).
Correction: Using a concave lens (diverging lens) of appropriate power. The concave lens first diverges the incoming
parallel rays slightly so that, after refraction by the eye lens, the image forms exactly on the retina.
Worked Example: A person with myopia cannot see objects beyond 1.2 m distinctly. Find the power of the lens required to
correct this defect.
• Far point of defective eye, v = −1.2 m (image side, using sign convention); object at infinity, u = −∞
• Using lens formula 1/v − 1/u = 1/f, we get f = −1.2 m
• Power P = 1/f = 1/(−1.2) = −0.83 D (a concave lens of power −0.83 D)
5.2 Hypermetropia (Far-sightedness or Long-sightedness)
Symptom: A hypermetropic person can see distant objects clearly, but cannot see nearby objects distinctly.
The near point of the eye moves farther than 25 cm, and the image of a close object forms behind the retina.
Causes:
• Focal length of the eye lens is too long (lens is too weakly converging).
• The eyeball becomes too small, or the distance between lens and retina decreases.
Correction: Using a convex lens (converging lens) of suitable power. The convex lens converges incoming rays before they
reach the eye, effectively bringing the near point back to 25 cm.
Worked Example: A hypermetropic eye has a near point of 1 m. Find the power of the lens required for the person to be able
to read a book placed at 25 cm.
• Object distance u = −25 cm = −0.25 m; image should form at the eye's actual near point v = −1 m = −100 cm
• Using 1/v − 1/u = 1/f: 1/(−1) − 1/(−0.25) = 1/f → −1 + 4 = 1/f → f = 1/3 m ≈ 0.33 m
• Power P = 1/f = +3 D (a convex lens of power +3 D)
5.3 Presbyopia
Symptom: Difficulty in seeing nearby objects clearly; occurs due to ageing.
Cause: With increasing age, the power of accommodation of the eye decreases gradually. Ciliary muscles weaken, and the
eye lens becomes less flexible, so it cannot change curvature as effectively.
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Class 10 Science — The Human Eye
Some people may suffer from both myopia and hypermetropia at the same time (with ageing). Such people often require bi-
focal lenses:
• Upper part (concave lens) – for distant vision.
• Lower part (convex lens) – for near vision.
Modern corrective options also include progressive lenses (no visible boundary between the two powers) and contact
lenses/lens replacement surgery.
5.4 Astigmatism
Symptom: The person cannot focus simultaneously on both horizontal and vertical lines; vision is blurred or distorted.
Cause: Irregular (non-spherical) curvature of the cornea or eye lens, so that light rays in different planes focus at different
points.
Correction: Using a cylindrical lens, which has curvature in only one direction, to compensate for the irregular curvature.
Astigmatism can also occur along with myopia or hypermetropia, requiring a combination corrective lens.
5.5 Summary Table of Eye Defects
Defect Also Called Distant Vision Near Vision Image Forms Correction Lens
Myopia Near-sightedness Blurred Clear In front of retina Concave (diverging)
Hypermetropia Far-sightedness Clear Blurred Behind retina Convex (converging)
May be
Presbyopia Age-related defect Blurred Varies Bi-focal / progressive lens
affected
Astigmatism — Distorted Distorted Unequal focal points Cylindrical lens
6. Other Important Concepts
6.1 Persistence of Vision
The image formed on the retina persists for about 1/16th of a second even after the object is removed. This phenomenon is
called persistence of vision. It is the principle behind motion pictures (films/animation), where a rapid sequence of still
images (24 or more frames per second) appears as continuous, smooth motion.
6.2 Power of a Lens
The power of a lens is a measure of the degree of convergence or divergence of light rays falling on it.
Formula: P = 1/f, where f is the focal length in metres.
• Unit: dioptre (D). 1 D = power of a lens with focal length 1 metre.
• Convex (converging) lens → positive power.
• Concave (diverging) lens → negative power.
6.3 Cataract
A common age-related condition in which the eye lens becomes cloudy/milky due to protein deposits, leading to blurred
vision or blindness. It is not a refractive defect but can significantly impair vision. It is treated by surgically removing the
natural lens and replacing it with an artificial (intraocular) lens.
6.4 Rods and Cones (Photoreceptors)
Feature Rods Cones
Sensitivity Highly sensitive to dim light Function best in bright light
Vision type Black-and-white (scotopic) vision Colour (photopic) vision
Number in retina Much more numerous (~120 million) Fewer (~6-7 million)
Location Spread across retina, more at periphery Concentrated at the fovea (centre)
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Class 10 Science — The Human Eye
7. Care of the Eyes
• Get eyes examined periodically and use corrective spectacles/lenses as advised.
• Avoid reading in too dim or too bright light.
• Do not look directly at the sun or a very bright light source.
• Wash eyes frequently with clean, cold water to remove dust and irritants.
• If particles/dust enter the eye, avoid rubbing; consult a doctor or use a prescribed eyewash.
• Take a diet rich in Vitamin A (green vegetables, carrots, etc.) for healthy eyes.
• In case of eye ailments, always consult a qualified doctor and avoid self-medication.
8. Quick Revision Points
• Eye behaves like a convex lens; image on retina is real and inverted, but the brain perceives it as erect.
• Maximum refraction happens at the cornea, not the eye lens.
• Normal near point = 25 cm; normal far point = infinity.
• Myopia → concave lens; Hypermetropia → convex lens (easy way to remember: 'M' for Myopia and 'Minus/concave').
• Presbyopia is age-related loss of accommodation; may need bi-focal lenses.
• Persistence of vision ≈ 1/16 second — basis of cinema/animation.
• Power of lens P = 1/f (metres); unit is dioptre (D).
9. Practice Questions
Very Short Answer (1 mark)
• Name the part of the eye where the image is formed.
• What is the SI unit of power of a lens?
• Which type of lens is used to correct myopia?
• Define the near point of the human eye.
Short Answer (2–3 marks)
• What is meant by power of accommodation of the eye?
• List the causes of myopia and state how it is corrected.
• Why is a person with hypermetropia unable to see nearby objects clearly?
• Distinguish between myopia and hypermetropia (any three points).
Long Answer (5 marks)
• Draw ray diagrams to show (a) the eye affected by myopia, (b) correction of myopia using a concave lens.
• Explain the structure and functioning of the human eye with a labelled diagram.
• A person needs a lens of power −2.5 D to correct their vision. (a) Name the defect. (b) Find the focal length of the lens.
(c) Is the person able to see distant or nearby objects clearly without the lens?
End of Notes — Chapter: The Human Eye (Class 10 Science)
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