The complex anatomy of the human eye explained
Iridology is the science of analysing the structure, texture and colour of the many thousands of nerve fibres, blood vessels, lymphatic system, muscles and other tissues that make up the iris, sclera and pupil of the eye.
Every part of your iris relates to a body system in iridology, and it can provide your naturopath with a map of your current health status and ways to best support your system.
The Sclera
The white visible portion of the eye extends from the front to the back of the eyeball. It maintains the shape of the eyeball.
The Cornea
Responsible for the refraction of light entering the eye. It is a transparent dome-like structure that projects beyond the white sclera. Any damage to the curvature of the cornea will dramatically affect vision.
The Pupil
This is the circular black opening in the middle of the iris. It lies in front of the lens and allows light to pass via the lens to the retina. The pupil's diameter is constantly changing with the contraction of dilation of the iris fibres. Pupil size is the result of light or dark exposure or emotions.
The Iris
It is located between the cornea and the lens of the eye. It consists of circular and radial smooth muscle fibres arranged to form a doughnut-shaped structure. Apart from controlling pupil size with light variation, the iris works with the pupil and lens to focus the eye on close and far objects.
The Ciliary Body
Controls the shape and movement of the lens.
The Lens
The lens focuses rays of light bent by the cornea onto the retina. It sits directly behind the iris and pupil.The lens becomes rounder to focus on close objects and flatter to focus on distant ones.
Vitreous Gel (Body)
This is a transparent gel substance that gives the eyes its round shape.
The Retina
It is an extension of the optic nerve and contains visual receptors called cones and rods. Cones detect millions of colours while rods allow us to see various shades of black and white while in the dark.
The Choroid
Located between the inner retina and outer sclera. It functions to supply nourishment to the inner eye structures. A photographic “red eye” is a reflection of light from this layer through the pupil.
The Optic Nerve
This is the collection of the retinal nerve fibres at the back of the eye and acts as the electrical cable from the eye to the brain. It is a very delicate structure and if damaged will cause irreversible blindness.
The picture of your iris provides your Naturopath with a map to indicate ways to help and support underlying health issues, allowing you to live a healthier life.
The beauty of an iridology assessment is that it is non-invasive and is complementary to most treatments. Contact us today to ask about a consultation or see the services page for more information.