The effect of seeing a reflection in someone's eye is analogous to seeing an image formed by a convex mirror.
Explanation
While there isn't an actual physical mirror in your eyes, the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) acts like a tiny, curved mirror. Because of its shape, it functions similarly to a convex mirror.
How the Cornea Acts Like a Convex Mirror
- Curvature: The cornea has a convex (outward-curving) shape.
- Reflection: Light reflects off the surface of the cornea.
- Image Formation: The reflection you see in someone's eye is a virtual, upright, and diminished image, which is characteristic of a convex mirror.
Differences from a Perfect Convex Mirror
It's important to note that the cornea isn't a perfect convex mirror. Its primary function is to refract (bend) light to focus it onto the retina, allowing us to see. The reflective property is a secondary effect. Also, the reflection is quite faint.
In Summary
Although not technically a mirror, the cornea in your eye functions like a convex mirror to create the tiny reflections you might observe.