Which part of the eye carries information to the brain for processing?

The optic nerve is the critical structure in the eye that carries visual information from the retina to the brain for processing. When light enters the eye, it is focused by the lens and cornea onto the retina, where photoreceptor cells convert the light into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, allowing us to perceive and interpret visual images.

The lens and cornea play essential roles in focusing light but are not responsible for transmitting information to the brain. The iris controls the amount of light that enters the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil, but it does not participate in the transmission of visual information. Thus, the optic nerve is the only component in this context that directly conveys visual information from the eye to the brain.