Project 2.4.

3: Put Yourself in Someone

Else’s Eyes
Introduction
Imagine that with each day that passes, your vision gets worse. You still hear the
voices of the ones you love, but the image you see gets darker every day. The world
you knew is slowly disappearing and there is nothing you can do to stop it. You can
still communicate with the world around you, but the world will no longer
communicate its wonders with images.

Not all eye conditions are this serious, but when the unique system of
communication in the eye breaks down, what you see will be altered. As you
explored in Activity 2.4.2, corrective lenses or glasses can redirect the flow of light to
allow for near-perfect vision. Unfortunately, not all disorders of the eye are related to
the lens and not all disorders of the eye can be fixed with glasses or contacts.

In this activity, you will learn what it is like to see with vision problems, from simple
correctable conditions to permanent life-changing diseases. You will use a camera
to take a digital image and, using photo-editing software, you will alter this
photograph to show how the world looks to people with various eye conditions. You
will also describe how what this person is seeing is linked to a specific error in the
structure and function of the eye. Your pictures and descriptions will be reported in
the form of an interactive computer presentation.
Equipment
 Computer with Internet access and presentation software
 Photo editing software (www.pixlr.com)
 Laboratory journal
Procedure
1. Navigate to www.pixlr.com and launch the Pixlr Editor web app.
2. Transfer the image from the Weebly website to your computer’s desktop.
3. Choose 4 of the 7 eye problems listed below. Research each condition you
choose and alter the SAME photo to demonstrate how this condition would
change what is seen by the individual.
o Myopia
o Hyperopia
o Age-related Macular Degeneration

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 o Glaucoma
o Retinitis Pigmentosa
o Cataracts
o Colorblindness/Color Deficiency
4. Using the Pixlr editor, begin making changes to your images.
5. Use the editing software to add blurriness, change color, or darken areas. Really
think about how what is happening in the eye will change the image.
6. Save each altered image you have edited using the name of the
disorder/condition.
7. Paste each of the 4 images in a single page Word document. Resize and move
the images so there is space beneath each for the following:
o A diagram of what occurs in the eye to cause this condition
o A simple written description of the error that produces this disorder
and an explanation of how this error changes what a person sees.
8. In your written description, reference key anatomy and think about how the eye
functions to allow you to see depth, color, clarity and a proper field of vision.
Think about what you have learned about the eye in the past three activities. You
may also add any additional information that paints a picture of the disorder
including risk factors for developing the disease/condition, interesting facts about
the disorder and treatment options. Add this information, then print a single
copy of your picture document.
9. Be prepared to explain to the class any and all of the eye conditions you have
researched. Take notes in your lab journal of conditions you did not research in
your project.

10. After you have reviewed all of the conditions in this project, answer the
conclusion questions.
Conclusion
1. Explain how myopia and hyperopia are related to the lens focusing on the retina.

2. In what ways do you think a person can prepare for losing his/her power of sight?

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11. Explain why a girl who is colorblind must have a colorblind father.

12. Other than the use of contact lenses or glasses to correct vision problems, what
other types of medical interventions do you think could help individuals with
vision disorders? Think about the conditions you have researched and
brainstorm potential treatment options.

13. Compare and contrast how a camera works with how the human eye works. List
the mechanical parts that would be similar and the parts that would be different.

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14. In your laboratory journal, write one to two paragraphs describing what it would
be like to live with macular degeneration. Think about the day-to-day challenges
of this disorder as well as how these changes will affect the person and the
family of this person.

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