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What is the white part of the eye called?
What is a sclera & a cornea?
What is the white sclera?
What is the sclera of the eye?
What parts of the eye make up the sclera?
What is the junction between white sclera and clear cornea called?
The sclera, [note 1] also known as the white of the eye or, in older literature, as the tunica albuginea oculi, is the opaque, fibrous, protective outer layer of the eye containing mainly collagen and some crucial elastic fiber.
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The sclera, or white of the eye, is strong tissue that wraps around your eyeball. It helps maintain your eye’s shape and protects it from injury. Many irritants or health conditions can make the entire sclera change color or cause spots of color. Visit a healthcare provider or eye care specialist if you notice changes in your eyes or vision.
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What does the sclera do?
The sclera is the supporting wall for your eyeball. It maintains your eye’s shape and protects it from injuries. Muscles attached to the sclera help you move your eyeball.
What type of tissue is the sclera?
The sclera is made of tough collagen fibers. Collagen is a protein that’s the main ingredient in your body’s skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues. The collagen fibers in your sclera crisscross each other in a random pattern that makes the sclera strong and flexible. That web of collagen fibers is what makes the sclera white.
What are the parts of the sclera?
The sclera has four layers sandwiched on top of each other and connected to other parts of your eye: Episclera: A layer of clear, thin tissue that’s the outermost layer. Stroma: A layer made up of fibroblasts (cells that make collagen) and collagen fibers that blends into the episclera. Lamina fusca: A transitional layer between the sclera and other parts of your eye, including the iris, choroid and ciliary body (parts of your uvea — the middle layer of your eye). Endothelium: The basal, or innermost, layer of the sclera.
Why isn’t the sclera of my eye white?
Lots of issues and conditions can change the whites of your eyes to other colors. Everyone’s eyes are occasionally red or irritated, but you should visit an eye care specialist or healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your eyes or sclerae that last for more than a day or two. Some eye conditions that can affect your sclera’s color include: Eye infections. Uveitis (redness usually caused by your body fighting an infection). Episcleritis (redness autoimmune diseases typically cause). Jaundice. Pterygium (surfer’s eye). Colobomas. Marfan syndrome. Anemia. Osteogenesis imperfecta. Eye injuries and everyday eye irritation (like dust, allergies, smoke or sun exposure) can cause red eye (bloodshot eyes). Visit a healthcare provider or eye care specialist if you notice changes in your eyes, including color changes or eye pain.
How can I protect my sclera?
The best ways to protect your sclera (and the rest of your eye) include: Wearing safety goggles or other eye protection for all sports, physical activity or work. Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage, wind and debris. Washing your hands before touching your eyes (including putting in or taking out contacts).
When should I see an eye care specialist?
Visit an eye care specialist if you notice any changes in your eyes or vision, including: Sclera color changes. Blurry vision or worsening vision. Discharge (pus or fluid leaking from your eye). Light sensitivity. Pain or tenderness. A note from Cleveland Clinic Most people see their sclerae every time they look in the mirror but never notice them unless they’re red, irritated or painful. Occasional irritation or discoloration in the whites of your eyes is common, but don’t ignore changes in your vision, eye pain or other symptoms. It’s never a bad idea to visit an eye care specialist if you’re worried about your eyes. They’ll help you understand what’s causing any symptoms you’re experiencing. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/07/2024. Learn more about our editorial process.
Oct 10, 2024 · The sclera is commonly known as the white of the eye. It’s the opaque tissue that surrounds your entire eyeball, except for the clear cornea (the covering in the front of your eye). The sclera is strong, fibrous tissue made mostly of collagen and elastic fibers.
Mar 16, 2022 · The sclera is the white part of the eye that surrounds the cornea. In fact, the sclera forms more than 80% of the surface area of the eyeball, extending from the cornea all the way to the optic nerve, which exits the back of the eye. Only a small portion of the anterior sclera is visible.
Apr 29, 2023 · The extraocular muscles are attached to the white part of the eye called the sclera. This is a strong layer of tissue that covers nearly the entire surface of the eyeball. This illustration shows eye muscles, which control eye movement. The Surface of the Eye.
Sep 10, 2024 · The white part of the eye is called the sclera. It’s made of tough collagen fibers that help protect the eyeball and support its shape. The sclera is covered by the conjunctiva, a clear membrane that also coats the inside of your eyelids.
May 24, 2023 · In the simplest terms, the sclera represents the “white” of the eye or the white portion of the eye that surrounds the colored portion, or iris. Conditions that affect the sclera include ectasia, episcleritis, sclera coloboma, scleritis, and senile scleral plaques.
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