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    As part of the federal government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Eye Institute’s mission is to “conduct and support research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to blinding eye diseases, visual disorders, mechanisms of visual function, preservation of sight, and the special health problems and requirements of the blind.”

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Home >> NEI for Kids >> Ask a Scientist Video Series
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All About Vision

  • About the Eye
  • Ask a Scientist Video Series
  • Glossary
  • The Visual System
  • Your Eyes’ Natural Defenses

Eye Health and Safety

  • First Aid Tips
  • Healthy Vision Tips
  • Protective Eyewear
  • Sports and Your Eyes

Fun Stuff

  • Cool Eye Tricks
  • Links to More Information
  • Optical Illusions
  • Printables

Ask a Scientist Video Series

ask a scientist header

Why can’t you see colors well in the dark? Do fish have eyelids? Why does saltwater sting your eyes? Select a video below to get answers to questions like these and more with our Ask a Scientist video series.

ask a scientist video

Dr. Sheldon Miller answers questions about color blindness, whether it can be treated, and how people become color blind.

  • What do my eyes do when I’m sleeping?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. Cheri Wiggs explains what our eyes do while we sleep and why we can't see colors well in the dark.
  • What does it mean to be nearsighted or farsighted?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. Cheri Wiggs talks about what happens to our eyes when we cry and what it means to be nearsighted or farsighted.
  • Do fish have eyelids?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. James Raber answers whether fish have eyelids and if animals get blurry vision.
  • Why don’t all animal eyes look the same?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. James Raber answers questions like why all animal eyes don’t look the same and if dogs see the same way humans do.
  • Why does salt water sting my eyes?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. Michael Steinmetz explains why salt water stings our eyes, why it does not sting whales' eyes, and whether opening our eyes in a pool is harmful.
  • Is perfect vision real?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. Rachel Bishop explains the concept of perfect vision, how glasses work, and how we can tell if we need glasses.
  • Are these common eye-related myths true or false?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. Emily Chew sheds light on common eye-related myths to tell us fact vs. fiction.
  • Why did you become a scientist?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. Pat Becerra shares why she became a scientist and encourages girls who are interested in science to pursue this interest.
  • What is an optical illusion?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. Matt McMahon explains optical illusions and how they play tricks on our eyes.
  • What is color blindness?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. Sheldon Miller answers questions about color blindness, whether it can be treated, and how people become color blind.
  • How do I become a scientist?
    Click to Watch


    Dr. Chris Thomas answers questions about becoming a scientist and the variety of jobs they do.
Brain

Did You Know?

An eagle’s eyesight is about five times sharper than a human’s. That means what you see clearly from five feet away, an eagle can see clearly from 25 feet away.

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