How do glasses help us see? - Andrew Bastawrous and Clare Gilbert

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Today, glasses help millions of people with poor vision be able to see clearly. But how? Andrew Bastawrous and Clare Gilbert help unravel the answer by explaining refraction — the ability of a transparent medium, like glass, water, or the eye, to change the direction of light passing through it.


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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Andrew Bastawrous, Clare Gilbert
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Director Andrew Foerster
  • Animator Andrew Foerster
  • Artist Andrew Foerster
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Uncorrected refractive errors lead to vision that is out of focus. Different types of refractive errors effect people in different ways, and for the absolute majority these can be corrected with a simple pair of glasses.

There are several useful papers that explain the existing challenges and trends to look out for. Start with this one: The uncorrected refractive error challenge.

Now, learn about Myopia: a growing global problem with sight-threatening complications.

After reading these articles, take a look at this paper for some ideas about how eye health can be improved for people throughout the world: Improving access to refractive and eye health.

Finally, find out about the differences in eye issues between males and females: Gender differences in presbyopia.

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Andrew Bastawrous, Clare Gilbert
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Director Andrew Foerster
  • Animator Andrew Foerster
  • Artist Andrew Foerster
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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