What Is The Sclera Of Eye
The sclera is the external layer of the wall of the eyeball. It is composed of dense connective tissue, and differentiates into the cornea in the anterior part of the eye. It is mainly composed of collagen and elastic fibres. The sclera is also referred to as the ‘white of the eye’. The other layers situated beneath the sclera are the choroid and retina.
The sclera’s main purpose is to protect the eyes and maintain the shape of the eyeball. Additionally, it aids in controlling the movement of the eye.
Table of Contents
Sclera Structure Sclera Function Frequently Asked Questions
Sclera Structure The sclera is the supportive external membrane of the eye. It continues with the stromal cornea in the front. The main characteristics of the sclera layer are the following:
The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye, located at the anterior part.
The junction between the white sclera and transparent cornea is known as the limbus.
It is composed of dense connective tissue.
The sclera is covered by the conjunctiva membrane.
The episclera, located beneath the conjunctiva, is a part of the sclera. Composed of loose connective tissue, it is densely vascular and contains unmyelinated nerve fibers, fibroblasts, and melanocytes.
The sclera proper, which is made up of dense connective tissue and gives the characteristic white colour, is located beneath the episclera.
The lamina fusca, the innermost layer of the sclera, is composed of elastic fibres and is abundant in melanocytes.
The sclera is nourished by the vascular choroid layer and blood vessels in the episclera region.
During embryonic development, the sclera is derived from the neural crest.
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Sclera Function
The sclera is the tough, white outer layer of the eyeball. It serves several important functions, including providing shape and support to the eyeball, protecting the delicate inner structures of the eye, and helping to maintain the pressure necessary for normal vision.
The sclera is a protective layer that helps maintain the shape of the eyeball. It also allows us to assess the movement of other’s eyes and understand where they are looking, which is a form of nonverbal communication. The extraocular muscles are attached to the sclera, controlling the movement of the eye.
The colour of the sclera can provide clinically significant information. Yellowing of the sclera is indicative of liver impairment and jaundice, while a blue tint is caused by the underlying blue veins of the choroid becoming visible due to the thinning of the sclera in cases of osteogenesis imperfecta.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sclera is White
The sclera of many vertebrates, including humans, is typically white and is also referred to as the “white of the eye”. This typically contrasts with the coloured part of the iris. An abnormal colour of the sclera may indicate infection or disease.
How does damage to the sclera affect the eye?
The sclera is a well-protected eye structure. If it is injured, it can have a significant effect on vision. If left untreated, a rupture or damage to the sclera can lead to complete blindness.
