The optical power of the eye is
## Core Concept
The optical power of the eye refers to its ability to refract (bend) light, enabling the formation of an image on the retina. This power is primarily contributed by the cornea and the lens. The total optical power of a relaxed human eye is approximately 60 diopters (D), with the cornea contributing about 40 D and the lens contributing about 20 D.
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, , corresponds to the total optical power of a relaxed human eye, which is about 60 diopters. This value represents the combined refractive power of the cornea (approximately 40 diopters) and the lens (approximately 20 diopters) when the eye is in a relaxed state, focusing on distant objects. This total power allows the eye to focus light from distant objects onto the retina.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
- **Option A:** This value underestimates the total optical power of the eye. While the lens does contribute around 20 diopters to the eye's focusing power, the total power, including that of the cornea, is much higher.
- **Option B:** This option might seem plausible for certain specific conditions or measurements but does not accurately represent the total optical power of a relaxed human eye.
- **Option D:** This value overestimates the total optical power of the relaxed human eye. The eye's total power is not as high as 100 diopters; such a value might relate to the eye's power when focusing on very near objects (accommodation).
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that the eye's optical power can change due to accommodation, primarily through changes in the lens's shape. This allows the eye to focus on objects at varying distances. However, the question seems to refer to the relaxed state of the eye, which provides a baseline optical power.
## Correct Answer: .