Did you know that there is a blind spot in the eye? It is a kind of stain that appears on the campor visual and that occurs in the area of ​​the retinaright where the optic nerve.

The blind spot of the eye is a natural phenomenon that all people have, but it is imperceptible thanks to the binocular vision. In addition, the area of ​​the eye where it occurs lacks photoreceptor cells, so tampoco is light sensitive.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain what the blind spot of the eye is and we offer you a test so you can check it from home. 

blind spot of the eye
The blackest spot on the grid is the blind spot in one eye. The test has been carried out using a Campmeter in Área Oftalmológica Avanzada

What is the blind spot?

To understand what the blind spot or optic disk of the eye is, it is necessary to explain what it is the retina and how images are formed.

The retina is a light-sensitive tissue that is made up of cells called cones and sticks, and which connects to the brain through the optic nerve. 

When light enters the ocular structure, it passes through the cornea, crystalline, vitreous humor and it focuses on the taint of the retina.

Remember that the macula is the yellow spot located in the center of the retina and is responsible for the center vision

Once light reaches the macula, photoreceptor cells transform it into nerve impulses that travel through the optic nerve to the brain, where those electrical impulses are transformed into images. However, the optic nerve is a structure that does not contain rods and cones, that is, it is not sensitive to light.

Although the blind spot is a totally natural, some pathologies can develop it. Retinal injuries or vascular disorders can cause blind spots in the campor visual known by the name of scotoma

A scotoma is usually manifested by causing a black spot or blind spot in the campor sight. However, it is associated with various retinal infections and it is important to be examined by an ophthalmologist to determine its cause and treat it immediately. 

What is your function?

The blind spot does not fulfill any function within the ocular structure. It is more of a visual phenomenon It is present in all people and in some animals. 

When the brain is going to process an image and it lacks information, it reacts by interpreting or compensating for that visual vacuum with information it obtains from the environment of the image. 

Somehow, the brain manages to form a complete image by filling in the blind spot of the eye so that the person does not perceive that lack of information.  

blind spot function of the eye

We can then affirm that the optical disc of one eye is complemented by the visual information of the other eye and, therefore, the blind spot is not perceptible in the binocular vision

It is also very difficult to perceive the one-eyed blind spot, as the brain tricks us into showing us a campor complete visual and correct that failure in the transmission of information.

How to find or locate the blind spot of the eye?

To find the blind spot of the eye you can perform a very simple experiment:

  1. Draw in the center of a white sheet a cross and a circle, trying that each figure is aligned to the position of your eyes. Ideally, there should be a space of up to 14 centimeters between one figure and the other.
  2. With one hand cover your left eye and stares at the cross located 50 centimeters away. 
  3. After a while observing the cross, you will be able to realize that, little by little, the circle begins to disappear of your campor sight. If you succeed, you will have found the blind spot of the eye. 

Blind Spot Test

If you want to find the blind spot of the eye right now, we invite you to look at the following image now follow the steps that we have previously indicated: close your left eye and place your right eye 50 cm away.

blind spot test

Didn't you make it? So your brain has worked hard so that you do not perceive that visual failure and has recreated a complete image with the visual environment of your right eye. 

How long has it been since you checked your vision? In Área Oftalmológica Avanzada we are experts in eye health care. If you want to have an eye examination, we urge you to schedule a visit with one of our specialists.

Summary
Blind spot of the eye: what is it, what is it for and test to do it yourself
Article name
Blind spot of the eye: what is it, what is it for and test to do it yourself
Description
Find out what the blind spot of the eye is and try our test to check it yourself at home.
Author
Name of the editor
Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
Editor's logo