eye disorders
Overview of Conjunctival and Scleral Disorders
Introduction
Theconjunctivalines the back of the eyelids (palpebral or tarsal conjunctiva), crosses the space between the lid and the globe (forniceal conjunctiva), then folds back on itself as it spreads over the sclera to the cornea (bulbar conjunctiva). The conjunctiva contributes to the tear film and protects the eye from foreign objects and infection. Thesclerais the thick white sphere of dense connective tissue that encloses the eye and maintains its shape. Anteriorly, the sclera fuses with the cornea at the limbus, and posteriorly it blends with the meninges where the optic nerve leaves the globe. The thickness varies from 0.83 mm anteriorly to 1 mm posteriorly. It is 0.43 mm at the equator and 0.3 mm under the muscles, its thinnest point. Theepisclerais a thin vascular membrane between the conjunctiva and the sclera. The most common disorders are infectious or inflammatory (eg, Overview of Conjunctivitis , 