Physiology · Special Senses

Refraction errors and physiological basis

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Definition

  • Refraction is the bending of light rays at the junction of two transparent media of different density; the eye's total refractive power is 60 D (cornea 43 D, lens 17 D).
  • Emmetropia: the normal refractive state, in which parallel rays from a distant object (more than 6 m) focus on the retina without accommodation.

Physical Principles of Refraction

  • Refractive power is measured in diopters (D), the reciprocal of the focal distance in meters; a lens of focal length 1 m has a power of 1 D.
  • Degree of bending depends on three factors:
    • Angle of incidence (oblique rays bend more).
    • Density difference between media (bending is toward the midline, denser medium).
    • Wavelength (longer wavelength refracts more).

Refractive indices of ocular media