Research Topic · Peer-Reviewed

Sclera

The sclera is the tough, white outer layer of the eye that provides structure and protection for the delicate inner parts of the eye. It is sometimes referred to as the "white of the eye" due to its white, opaque appearance. The sclera is made up of collagen and elastin fibers, as well as a small amount of blood ve…

Curated from this journal's research 📚 4 peer-reviewed articles cited Cited 19× across the literature 🔖 ISSN 2470-0436 🗓 Reviewed June 2026

Overview

The sclera is the tough, white outer layer of the eye that provides structure and protection for the delicate inner parts of the eye. It is sometimes referred to as the "white of the eye" due to its white, opaque appearance. The sclera is made up of collagen and elastin fibers, as well as a small amount of blood vessels and nerves. It is strong and resilient, helping to keep the eye’s shape and maintain proper eye function. In addition to providing protection, the sclera also plays a role in eye movement. Six muscles attach to the sclera and work together to move the eye in different directions. Conditions that affect the sclera can have a significant impact on eye health. For example, scleritis is a rare but serious condition that causes inflammation of the sclera. It can lead to eye pain, redness, and vision loss if left untreated. In summary, the sclera is an essential part of the eye that provides structure, protection, and aids in eye movement. It is crucial to maintain the health of the sclera for optimal eye function and vision.

Research published in this journal

4 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.

How this research is being cited

The 4 articles above have been cited 19 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.

A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Sclera, linking to each citing work.

Editorial oversight

Curated from peer-reviewed research published in Ophthalmic Science (ISSN 2470-0436).

Journal editorial board
Argyrios Tzamalis · GREECE Brian M. DeBroff · United States Emanuela Interlandi · Italy

This page summarises published research for orientation; it is not medical or professional advice.