Question

Explain the terms ‘adaptation’ and ‘accommodation’ with reference to the eye.

Answer 1

Adaptation is the ability to adjust vision in bright and dark areas. When we enter a dark room from bright light, the rhodopsin pigment broken down in bright light is regenerated. It dilates the pupil and allows more light to enter the eyes. This is called dark adaptation. On the other hand, if we enter bright area from a dark room, the rhodopsin pigment is bleached. This constricts the pupil and reduces the light entering the eyes. This is called 'light adaptation'
Accommodation is the process of focusing the eye at different distances. This is mainly brought about by a change in the curvature of the lens. When the ciliary muscles contract, the lens becomes thicker and we are able to focus a nearby object. On the other hand when the ciliary muscles relax, the lens remains stretched i.e. the normal condition and we are able to focus on distant object.