What is the primary role of the ciliary muscle?

The primary role of the ciliary muscle is to modulate the shape of the lens, which is crucial for the accommodation process. When the ciliary muscle contracts, it allows the lens to become thicker and more rounded, enabling the eye to focus on nearby objects. Conversely, when the ciliary muscle relaxes, the tension on the zonular fibers increases, causing the lens to flatten, which is necessary for focusing on distant objects.

This function is vital for maintaining clear vision at varying distances and is an essential aspect of how our eyes adapt to different focal lengths. Overall, the ciliary muscle's ability to adjust the lens shape directly influences our visual acuity and enhances our ability to see clearly at all ranges.