Basic Ophthalmic Anatomy

The outermost layer of the eye, composed of the sclera (white part) and cornea (transparent front).

The tough, white, outer layer of the eye that provides structure and protection.

The transparent front part of the eye that allows light to enter and contributes to focusing.

The middle layer of the eye, containing the choroid, iris, and pupil.

The pigmented, muscular structure of the eye that controls the size of the pupil.

The black opening in the center of the iris that allows light to enter the eye.

The innermost layer of the eye, responsible for converting light into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain.

The space between the cornea and iris.

The space between the iris and lens.

The large space between the lens and the back of the eye.

A clear, watery fluid that fills the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, maintaining pressure and nourishing the eye's tissues.

A gel-like substance that fills the vitreous chamber, providing structure and support to the eye.

The movable folds of skin that protect the eye.

The muscle that closes the eyelids.

The muscle that opens the eyelids.

Structures within the eyelids that give them shape and support.

Glands within the eyelids responsible for tear production and maintenance.

A thin, clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye, contributing to tear production and protection.

A mixture of water, mucus, and antimicrobial chemicals that helps lubricate the eye and fight infections.

The avascular, transparent front part of the eye, highly innervated and responsible for focusing light.

The outermost layer of the cornea, protecting it and allowing light to enter.

A strong, transparent layer beneath the corneal epithelium that provides structural support and strength to the cornea.

The thickest layer of the cornea, composed of collagen fibers, which are responsible for its transparency and structural integrity.

A thin layer located between the corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane, recently identified and providing structural support.

A thin, elastic layer beneath the corneal stroma, serving as a barrier and providing attachment for the endothelium.

A single layer of cells lining the inner surface of the cornea, responsible for regulating fluid balance and maintaining corneal transparency.

The vascular layer of the eye, containing the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, supplying blood and nutrients to the eye.

A ring-shaped structure behind the iris that produces aqueous humor and connects to the lens through zonular fibers.

The vascular layer beneath the sclera that supplies blood and nutrients to the outer retinal layers.

The transparent, biconvex structure located behind the iris that focuses light onto the retina.

A thin, elastic membrane that surrounds the lens of the eye.

Fibers that connect the lens to the ciliary body, allowing for lens accommodation (changing shape) to focus on objects at different distances.

The light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals.

The central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision.

The area of the retina surrounding the macula, responsible for peripheral vision.

Specialized cells in the retina responsible for detecting light.

Photoreceptors responsible for vision in dim light and detecting movement.

Photoreceptors responsible for color vision and sharp central vision.

A layer of cells behind the photoreceptors that supports them, absorbs excess light, and maintains the blood-retinal barrier.

The nerve that carries electrical signals from the retina to the brain, allowing us to see.

The area of the retina where the optic nerve exits, which lacks photoreceptors and therefore creates a blind spot.

The central depression in the optic disc.

The blood vessel that supplies blood to the retina.

A network of blood vessels that supply blood to the outer layers of the retina.

A barrier that prevents harmful substances from entering the retina from the bloodstream.