Parts of the Eye
Free printable parts of the eye diagram — a labeled cross-section showing the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, optic nerve and more. Download a high-resolution PDF or PNG for Letter paper.
The parts of the human eye
The eye is the organ that lets us see. Light passes through the front of the eye and is focused onto the back, where it is turned into signals sent to the brain. Here is what happens at each labeled part of the diagram:
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Cornea | The clear, curved front of the eye that lets light in and helps focus it. |
| Iris | The colored ring of muscle that controls how much light enters the eye. |
| Pupil | The black opening in the center of the iris that light passes through. It grows larger in the dark. |
| Lens | A clear disc behind the pupil that focuses light onto the back of the eye. |
| Retina | The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that turns light into nerve signals. |
| Optic nerve | The nerve that carries signals from the retina to the brain. |
| Sclera | The tough white outer layer that protects the eye and holds its round shape. |
Companion worksheet
A free fill-in worksheet with an answer key, built from the labels above — students match each part to its description, then answer a couple of short questions. Great for a quick check after using the diagram.
How to print
Choose Download PDF for a ready-to-print file that fits US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape, or Download PNG for the high-resolution image.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main parts of the eye?
The cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, optic nerve and sclera. Light enters through the cornea and pupil, is focused by the lens, and lands on the retina.
What does the pupil do?
The pupil is the opening that lets light into the eye. It grows larger in dim light and smaller in bright light to control how much light comes in.
What paper size should I print this on?
The diagram is sized for standard US Letter paper (8.5 × 11") in landscape orientation. Use "Download PDF" for a print-ready file that fits the page automatically.