6J10.10 - Model of an Eye

Code Number:
6J10.10
Demo Title:
Model of an Eye
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Geometries of the Eye
Area of Study:
Optics

Disclaimer

Equipment:
Eye Model.
Procedure:

See also 6J10.10 in Optics.

No preparation except for routine cleaning.

The Eye charts can be used to show normal vs. abnormal eye function.

The Pasco eye model has an adjustable focal length lens that is quite good for simulating near sightedness, normal focusing, and far sightedness. A camera may be placed so that it projects the images from the "retina" viewing screen to the entire class.

The round flask model shows why people who have some eye surgeries in which an air bubble is inserted have trouble seeing when looking down due to a total internal reflection effect.

References:
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  • G. D. Hoyt, "Experiment on Surface Tension and Pressure of a Balloon", TPT, Vol. 13, #6, Sept. 1975, p. 355.
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  • Glenn S. Smith, "Human Color Vision and the Unsaturated Blue Color of the Daytime Sky", AJP, Vol. 73, #7, July 2005, p. 590.
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  • Antti Arell and Samuli Kolari, "Experiments on a Model Eye", AJP, Vol. 46, #6, June 1978, p. 613.
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  • Stephen G. Benka, "Theory Meets Experiment In The Blink Of An Eye", Physics Today, Vol. 65, #7, July 2012, p. 17.
  • Charles Day, "Study Tracks the Changes in a Vision Protein as Fish Evolved", Physics Today, Vol. 61, #10, Oct. 2008, p. 20.
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  • Gunnar Johansson, "Visual Motion Perception", Scientific American, Vol. 232, #6, June 1975, p. 76.
  • Richard Held, "Eye Movements and Visual Perceptions", Scientific American, May 1974, p. 113.
  • Richard Held, "Form Analysis", Scientific American, May 1974.
  • Richard Held, "The Processes of Vision", Scientific American, May 1974, p. 4.
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  • Harvard Instructional Physics Labs, "Geometrical Optics; Refraction and Dispersion", https://sites.fas.harvard.edu/~scphys/
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Harvard Instructional Physics Labs: Geometrical Optics: Refraction and Dispersion
PDF icon University of Maryland Physics Department QOTW Question #237
PDF icon University of Maryland Physics Department QOTW Answer #237
PDF icon University of Maryland Physics Department QOTW Question #285
PDF icon University of Maryland Physics Department QOTW Answer #285
PDF icon University of Maryland Physics Department QOTW Question #286
PDF icon University of Maryland Physics Department QOTW Answer #286

Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.