Growth & Development Of The Eye

A teaching microscope provides teachers another way of presenting their lessons. A teaching microscope can be attached to a computer or a large screen in order for students to see the specimen being studied. The growth and development of the eye can be explained to the class in a visual way using a teaching microscope.

The eye is considered the window to one’s soul. Much has been studied about the eye: its anatomy, physiology and pathology. Numerous advancements in ophthalmic science and technology were made through the years since the advent of microscopes. Microscopes, such as a teaching microscope, have helped student, teachers, medical professionals in the study of the eye.

The adult and child eye have some differences in their physical, chemical, and curvature properties. These differences can be studied more using a teaching microscope.

Numerous eye diseases like blepharitis, chalazion, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, iritis, sty, and many others have been identified and controlled with the use of microscopes. In order to identify these diseases, one must be familiar with the normal anatomy, physiology, growth and development of the eye. A teaching microscope can help in teaching the important points to remember about the eye.

Eyeball

At birth, the eye is larger in relation to the rest of the body than is the case in children and adults. In relation to its ultimate size (reached at 7-8 years), it is compara¬tively short, averaging 16.5 mm in anteroposterior di¬ameter (the only optically significant dimension). This would make the eye quite hyperopic if it were not for the refractive power of the nearly spherical lens.

Cornea

The newborn infant has a relatively large cornea that reaches adult size by the age of 2 years. As seen in a teaching microscope, it is flatter than the adult cornea, and its curvature is greater at the pe¬riphery than in the center. The reverse is true in adults.

Lens

At birth, the lens is more nearly spherical in shape than later in life, producing a greater refractive power that helps to compensate for the short anteroposterior diam¬eter of the eye. The lens grows throughout life as new fibers are added to the periphery, making it flatter.

The lens material consistency changes throughout life. At birth, it may be compared with soft plastic; in old age, the lens is of a glass-like consistency. This accounts for the greater resistance to change of shape in accommodation, as one grows older.

Cataract is the most common disease affecting the lens. In cataract, the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque. As the cataract progresses, the vision continues to fail.

Iris

At birth, there is little or no pigment on the anterior surface of the iris; the posterior pigment layer showing through the translucent tissue gives the eyes of most in¬fants a bluish color, as seen in a teaching microscope. As the pigment begins to appear on the anterior surface, the iris assumes its definitive color. If considerable pigment is deposited, the eyes become brown. Less iris stroma pigmentation results in blue, hazel, or green coloration. Read more on this subject