The Sclera

Anatomy and Function of the Sclera

• The sclera, the outer layer of the eye, is continuous with the dura mater at the optic disc and varies in thickness from 1mm to 0.3mm.
• It is mainly composed of dense connective tissue primarily made of type 1 collagen fibers and is continuous with the cornea.
• The sclera is reinforced with plates of cartilage or bone in many vertebrates, forming a circular structure called the sclerotic ring.
• The human eye's distinctive visible sclera is believed to have evolved as a useful communication tool due to our social nature, aiding in nonverbal communication.
• Dogs have also developed the ability to pick up visual cues from the eyes of humans, suggesting a form of communication unique to human-animal interaction.
• The bony eye socket provides exceptional protection to the sclera, but blunt force or sharp object trauma can cause rare recovery of full vision and hemorrhaging.
• The sclera is rarely damaged by brief exposure to heat due to the protection provided by the eyelids and moist tissue layers.
• The sclera is highly resistant to injury from brief exposure to toxic chemicals, as tears quickly wash away irritants, preventing further harm.
• Acids with a pH below 2.5 pose the greatest acidic burn risk, but even severe acid burns seldom result in the loss of the eye.
• The sclera is opaque due to the irregularity of the Type I collagen fibers, in contrast to the near-uniform thickness and parallel arrangement of corneal collagen.
• The exposed sclera of the human eye makes it easier for one individual to identify where another individual is looking, increasing the efficacy of nonverbal communication.
• The sclera's blood vessels are mainly on the surface, and along with the vessels of the conjunctiva, can render the inflamed eye bright red.

Anatomy and Function of the Sclera

• The sclera, the outer layer of the eye, is continuous with the dura mater at the optic disc and varies in thickness from 1mm to 0.3mm.
• It is mainly composed of dense connective tissue primarily made of type 1 collagen fibers and is continuous with the cornea.
• The sclera is reinforced with plates of cartilage or bone in many vertebrates, forming a circular structure called the sclerotic ring.
• The human eye's distinctive visible sclera is believed to have evolved as a useful communication tool due to our social nature, aiding in nonverbal communication.
• Dogs have also developed the ability to pick up visual cues from the eyes of humans, suggesting a form of communication unique to human-animal interaction.
• The bony eye socket provides exceptional protection to the sclera, but blunt force or sharp object trauma can cause rare recovery of full vision and hemorrhaging.
• The sclera is rarely damaged by brief exposure to heat due to the protection provided by the eyelids and moist tissue layers.
• The sclera is highly resistant to injury from brief exposure to toxic chemicals, as tears quickly wash away irritants, preventing further harm.
• Acids with a pH below 2.5 pose the greatest acidic burn risk, but even severe acid burns seldom result in the loss of the eye.
• The sclera is opaque due to the irregularity of the Type I collagen fibers, in contrast to the near-uniform thickness and parallel arrangement of corneal collagen.
• The exposed sclera of the human eye makes it easier for one individual to identify where another individual is looking, increasing the efficacy of nonverbal communication.
• The sclera's blood vessels are mainly on the surface, and along with the vessels of the conjunctiva, can render the inflamed eye bright red.

Test your knowledge of the anatomy and function of the sclera with this quiz. Explore the composition, protective features, and evolutionary significance of the outer layer of the eye, and learn about its role in communication and visual cues.