Which structure in the eye works with the lens to refract light and help form an image?

The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light before it reaches the lens of the eye. It is the transparent, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye that bends (or refracts) incoming light rays, helping to direct them towards the lens for further processing. This refractive power is essential because it ensures that light is appropriately directed onto the retina, where the image is ultimately formed. While the lens contributes significantly to the focusing process, the cornea provides the majority of the eye’s total refractive power.

In contrast, the pupil functions as an opening that regulates the amount of light entering the eye, the iris controls the size of the pupil, and the retina is responsible for detecting light and converting it into electrical signals sent to the brain. While all these structures are important for vision, the cornea is specifically involved in the initial refraction of light in conjunction with the lens.