The iris diaphragm is used to adjust the contrast for ease of viewing. It is usually controlled by a small lever, and this lever widens/narrows the diameter of the hole through which the source light can pass to reach the specimen. Push the lever forwards and backwards to change the diameter of the diaphragm. Narrowing the diaphragm creates a darker image, but with more contrast, while widening the diaphragm creates a lighter image, but with less contrast.