øye

Øye is the Norwegian word for the organ of vision. In humans, the eyes are paired organs located in the orbits of the skull and are primarily responsible for detecting light and forming visual images. They work with the brain to interpret shapes, colors, and motion.

Anatomically, an eye has an outer protective layer (the sclera and clear cornea), an anterior chamber, and a middle vascular layer (the iris, pupil, ciliary body, and choroid). The inner layer is the retina, which contains photoreceptor cells. The lens, suspended behind the iris, focuses light onto the retina; the transparent vitreous humor fills the main interior. The eyelids, eyelashes, and conjunctiva protect and moisten the surface. Signals from the retina travel via the optic nerve to the brain.

Functionally, light enters through the cornea and is focused by the lens onto the retina. The retina’s photoreceptors—rods for light and dark and cones for color—convert light into electrical signals. These signals travel along the optic nerve to the brain’s visual cortex, where the image is interpreted. The eye also coordinates with the brain to maintain balance, depth perception, and motion tracking; tearing and blinking keep the surface moist and protected.

Development and health: Eyes develop from neural tissue early in embryogenesis. Common issues include refractive errors (myopia and hyperopia), cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

Etymology: øye derives from Old Norse auga and is cognate with Danish øje and other Germanic languages.