Final answer:
Objects seen in the left visual field are processed by the right hemisphere of the brain, and those seen in the right visual field are processed by the left hemisphere due to the crossing of medial retinal fibers at the optic chiasm. Axons from the lateral retina do not cross and project to the same side of the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you see something on the left visual field, it will be processed in the right hemisphere of the brain. Conversely, if you see something on the right visual field, it will be processed in the left hemisphere of the brain. The optic nerves from each eye carry visual information to the brain, where this information is divided between the two hemispheres.
This division occurs because the axons from the medial (inner) side of each retina cross over at the optic chiasm to project to the opposite side of the brain, while axons from the lateral (outer) side of the retina project to the same side of the brain.
This means that the left field of view from both eyes is interpreted by the right hemisphere and the right field of view is processed by the left hemisphere. This segregation of visual field information can lead to unique conditions like a split brain when the corpus callosum is cut, which demonstrates the distinct functions of each hemisphere.
Furthermore, pathologies such as a growth on the pituitary gland pressing against the optic chiasm can lead to visual field deficits, such as bilateral hemianopia.