Basic Eye Anatomy

CORNEA

The clear “front cover” of the eye that focuses light rays.

SCLERA

Continuous with the cornea and forms the “wall” of the eye, maintaining its structure

CONJUNCTIVA

Thin membrane forming the “skin” of the eye, which covers much of the surface of the sclera, as well as the underside of the eyelids.

IRIS

The colored portion of the eye which controls the size of the pupil and acts like a camera shutter, regulating how much light gets to the back part of the eye.

ANTERIOR CHAMBER

The space between the cornea and iris, and is filled with aqueous fluid, which affects the pressure inside the eye.

LENS

Located right behind the pupil and further focuses light to the back of the eye. It has the ability to change shape in order to focus for near vision.

RETINA

The inner lining of the eye made up of millions of light receptors onto which images are focused. It is similar to the film portion of a camera.

VITREOUS

The clear gel-like structure that fills the main cavity of the eye between the lens and retina.

OPTIC NERVE

Connects the receptors in the retina to the brain. It is essentially a bundle of millions of little cables making this connection.