What is the index of refraction for the cornea?

The index of refraction for the cornea is approximately 1.37. This value is critical in optics, particularly regarding the way light bends as it passes through different media. The cornea, being the outermost layer of the eye, plays a vital role in focusing light onto the retina.

An index of refraction value of 1.37 indicates that light travels about 1.37 times slower in the corneal tissue than in a vacuum. This aspect is significant in the design of corrective lenses and understanding how various optical elements interact with the eye. The cornea's relatively low refractive index compared to other media, such as the lens (which has a higher refractive index), illustrates its unique optical properties in the overall visual system.

Values such as 1.50, 1.25, and 1.45 do not accurately represent the refractive index of the cornea. The specified index is more representative of materials such as glass or other lens materials rather than biological tissues like the cornea. Hence, knowing the accurate value aids in predictions of how the eye will behave optically and is crucial for opticians when making visual aids.