Sclera
white of the eye
The sclera, commonly referred to as the ‘white of the eye,’ is the outermost layer of the eyeball. It is a tough, fibrous layer that protects the eye from damage and maintains its shape. The sclera is made up of collagen and elastin fibers and is white in color due to the dense tissue of the eye, which reduces the amount of light that can pass through it.
The front part of the sclera, called the cornea, is transparent and covers the iris and pupil. The cornea allows light to enter the eye and helps focus it on the retina at the back of the eye.
The sclera also provides attachment sites for the muscles that move the eye. These muscles are responsible for controlling eye movements, such as looking up and down or side to side.
Additionally, the sclera plays a role in maintaining the pressure inside the eye. In diseases like glaucoma, increased pressure within the eye can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. The sclera helps to regulate this pressure by allowing fluid to flow in and out of the eye through a network of channels called the trabecular meshwork.
Overall, the sclera is an important structure that contributes to both the structural integrity and functional aspects of the eye.
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