The Magic Eye Trivia Quiz

Answer: Snellen chart

The Snellen chart was developed in 1862 by a Dutch ophthalmologist. The Landolt test has a similar format, but consists only of the letter "C" (or "broken rings") with the open area of the "C" in different positions, for the test subject to read. The Taylor chart and the "Tumbling E" chart also are similar in format, and consist of the letter "E" in various configurations.

It was designed to be used with people who cannot recognize letters of the alphabet.

Answer: Conjunctiva

Conjunctivitis is contracted through a viral or bacterial infection, or through an allergic reaction. It often spreads from one eye to the other, and is very contagious. Fortunately, it often goes away by itself, but it can be very uncomfortable.

Answer: A black eye

You most often get a black eye from a traumatic injury, like a car or sports accident. It may look pretty bad, but if the eye itself is not damaged, you probably just need some ice.

Answer: The eyelids and lashes

The symptoms can range from mild redness to bleeding ulcers. There are various forms, depending on whether it is caused by bacteria, mites, or something else.

Answer: Ultraviolet light therapy

There is no cure for ocular rosacea, and it can lead to vision loss. Oral antibiotics or steroids can help reduce inflammation, but in extreme cases a corneal transplant may be necessary.

Answer: Cones

I always remember it because "cones" and "color" start with the same letter. Rods are the cells that allow you to see in low light, and photosensitive ganglion cells are associated with the circadian cycle, letting you know when it is day and night. Retinoids are chemicals related to Vitamin A.

Answer: John Dalton

Dalton himself was colorblind, and so was his brother. This gave him the idea that the condition was hereditary, and so he began to study it. In 1794, he wrote the first scientific paper on colorblindness.

Answer: Having blue eyes

Although exposure to ultraviolet rays, such as in a tanning bed, increases the risk of developing melanoma of the skin, and people who have blue eyes and fair skin are more at risk for both skin and intraocular melanoma, the Ocular Melanoma Foundation says "there is no conclusive evidence linking UV exposure and OM."

Answer: Autosterograms

I have never been able to see the "Magic Eye" pictures, and it gives me a headache to try! The Bezold effect is an optical illusion that makes colors seem different when placed next to different colors; chromosteropsis is similar, but causes an impression of depth and the Hering illusion causes straight lines to appear curved.

Answer: Strabismus

Strabismus can sometimes be corrected with the use of an eye patch and exercises; sometimes surgery is necessary. Amblyopia, commonly called "lazy eye," also can be corrected without surgery. Diplopia, or "double vision," can have many causes, so the treatment varies, and anisometropia is the condition of having different refractive power in the eyes, so they must be corrected separately.