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`Sclera: Definition, Anatomy & Function
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`FUNCTION
`
`What does the sclera do?
`
`The sclera functions as the supporting wall of the eyeball. It helps maintain your
`eyeball’s shape, and protects it from injury.
`
`The sclera is covered by conjunctiva, which are clear mucus membranes that
`lubricate (moisturize) your eye. Muscles attached to the sclera help move your
`eyeball up and down and side to side.
`
`ANATOMY
`
`What is the anatomy of the sclera?
`
`The sclera is made of tough collagen bers, which crisscross in random
`directions. That random pattern gives your eyeball its white color and gives the
`sclera strength. This contrasts with the collagen bers in your cornea, which are
`very organized and allow the cornea to be clear.
`
`The sclera has four layers, from the outside to the inside:
`
`Episclera, clear, thin tissue resting on top of the whites of your eyeballs.
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`Sclera: Definition, Anatomy & Function
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`Stroma, made up of broblasts and collagen bers, blending into the
`episclera.
`Lamina fusca, a transitional layer between the sclera and the choroid and
`ciliary body outer layers.
`Endothelium, the basal, or innermost layer of the sclera.
`
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`CONDITIONS AND DISORDERS
`
`Why isn't the sclera of my eye white?
`
`Several things can cause the entire sclera to change color or spots of color to
`appear:
`
`Blue sclera: If the sclera is thinner than normal, blood vessels may show
`through, giving your eyeballs a blue or gray hue. This may occur in people with
`certain health conditions. Examples include osteogenesis imperfecta (a
`genetic bone disease) and Marfan syndrome (a disorder in connective tissue
`throughout the body). Other examples include iron de ciency and anemia.
`Icteric sclera and jaundice: If the entire sclerae turn yellow, that could mean
`you have jaundice. Jaundice indicates liver disease, which means the liver
`isn’t ltering blood properly.
`Injury: If your eyeball is injured, it may have a bright red spot. This indicates a
`broken blood vessel that has leaked some blood. These red spots are usually
`harmless and go away in a few days or weeks.
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`Sclera: Definition, Anatomy & Function
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`Irritation: If your eyes are “bloodshot,” you can see redness throughout the
`sclerae. Eyes may be irritated due to smoke, allergies, exhaustion or
`infection.
`Medication: Some medications can tint the sclerae blue or gray (for example,
`an antibiotic called minocycline).
`Melanosis: Your sclera may contain a at, brown spot, almost like a freckle.
`This is more common in Black people. The spots are caused by high levels of
`pigment called melanin, and they’re harmless.
`Pinguecula: A small patch of yellow may bulge out from your sclera after
`damage from the sun, wind or dust. The patch may become in amed and
`turn pink or red.
`Pterygium: If a pinguecula goes untreated, it can get larger, expand into the
`cornea and block vision.
`Primary acquired melanosis (PAM): If you have a at brown spot on the eye
`that changes over time, this may indicate PAM. This condition can become
`cancerous, so report any new or changing spots on the sclera.
`
`What other conditions and disorders affect the sclera?
`
`Other problems with the sclera include:
`
`Ectasia: When your eyeball experiences trauma (injury) or in ammation, the
`sclera may thin or bulge. This may heal on its own, or you may need special
`contact lenses.
`Episcleritis: This is in ammation (swelling) of the episclera. Your eyes may
`be swollen, tender and red. The condition may be associated with an
`in ammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Episcleritis usually
`goes away on its own in a few weeks, but it can come back.
`Scleral coloboma: Sometimes, a piece of tissue is missing in the sclera from
`birth. It can cause a notch or a bulge in your eyeball. Treatment varies
`
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`Sclera: Definition, Anatomy & Function
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`depending on how problematic the condition is. It usually involves helping
`people protect their eyes and making the most of the vision they have.
`Scleritis: This condition is similar to episcleritis but is more serious and often
`more painful. Scleritis often involves piercing pain in your eye that gets
`worse with eye movement. It can cause permanent damage and vision loss.
`Treatment options include nonsteroidal anti-in ammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
`and corticosteroids. It may be caused by an underlying in ammatory disease,
`fungus or injury.
`Senile scleral plaques: With age, the sclera can develop calcium deposits.
`These plaques may appear as gray spots at the 3 and 9 o’clock portions of
`your sclera. Only rarely can they erode through the conjunctival surface and
`cause irritation or infection.
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`How long does it take for the sclera to heal?
`
`Minor injury or in ammation of the sclera often heals in a few days or weeks.
`But if you have any other symptoms or the problem doesn’t go away, talk to your
`healthcare provider or ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist specializes in
`disorders and diseases of the eyes.
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`CARE
`
`How can I protect my sclerae?
`
`You can help protect your sclerae from injury with several simple strategies:
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`Sclera: Definition, Anatomy & Function
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`Wear safety goggles when playing sports or doing home repairs.
`Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage, wind and debris.
`Wash your hands before touching your eyes to prevent infection.
`
`FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
`
`When should I call a healthcare professional?
`
`Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice anything different in your sclera,
`such as:
`
`Blurry vision or loss of vision.
`Bulging.
`Change in color of the whites of your eyes.
`Change in an existing spot on the white of your eye (for example, it changes
`color or gets larger).
`Discharge ( uid or puss leaking out of your eye).
`Pain or tenderness.
`Sensitivity to light.
`Swelling of your eyeball.
`
`A note from Cleveland Clinic
`
`The sclera is a protective covering that wraps over most of your eyeball. It
`supports your eyeball and forms the white of your eye. If you experience color
`changes in the whites of your eyes, especially with pain or vision changes, call
`your healthcare provider immediately.
`
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