A Full Breakdown of the Parts of the Eye

The eye is a complex structure containing many elements that work together to give us vision. We can break this down into four main areas: the parts outside the eyeball, the eye surface, the front of the eye, and the back. 

A Full Breakdown of the Parts of the Eye (the Anatomy) & How They Work

• Anatomy of the eye parts outside the eyeball
• Anatomy of the surface of the eye
• Anatomy of the front of the eye
• Anatomy of the back of the eye

Anatomy of the eye parts outside the eyeball

The eye is attached to the bones of the eye socket by six strong muscles. These are responsible for eye movement, allowing us to look up, down, and side-to-side. These muscles are attached to the white part of the eye, which is known as the sclera.

Anatomy of the surface of the eye

The sclera covers almost all of the eyeball, apart from the very front. It’s a tough tissue that’s covered with a lubricating membrane, called the conjunctiva. This also covers the inside of the eyelid, so the two can move smoothly across each other.

This surface of the eye is kept moisturized by tears, which are produced through the lacrimal gland. Excess tears drain away from the eye through the tear duct.

Anatomy of the front of the eye

The front of the eye is covered by the cornea—a dome-shaped, clear layer that protects the delicate iris and pupil. Just behind this is the anterior chamber, which contains clear fluid, known as the aqueous humor. This fluid plays a major role in stabilizing the pressure within the eye, and any excess drains away through a series of channels. The colored part of the eye—the iris—sits directly behind the anterior chamber. In the center of this is the pupil—the dark circle that dilates and contracts to control light flow through the eye.

Behind the pupil is the lens, which sits in a flexible sac, known as the lens capsule. The lens plays a vital role in vision, focusing light on the back of the eye and changing shape so we can focus.

Anatomy of the back of the eye

Behind the lens is the vitreous cavity—a large space full of jelly-like fluid, called vitreous humor. When light travels through the front structures of the eye, it passes through the vitreous to the retina—a thin layer of light-sensitive cells that line the back chamber of the eye. The retina is made up of two areas:

• The macula: This is in the very center and is what gives us detailed, close-up vision.
• The peripheral retina: Responsible for peripheral vision.

The retina passes light signals to the optic nerve, which sits just behind it. Light signals travel along the optic nerve to the brain, where they’re translated into the images that we see.

There are an incredible number of individual structures within the eye, each of which plays a vital role in allowing us to see. As with any complex system, any dysfunction of one part can have a knock-on effect on the rest. This is why regular eye examinations are crucial—an issue picked up at the earliest stage can be addressed, potentially preventing any more serious problems further down the line.

Entrust the Complexities of all the Parts of the Eye and Functions to the Experts at the WBEC

Your eyesight is probably the most important of all the senses, so you’ll naturally demand the best eye care. The West Boca Eye Center has a world-leading reputation, both for its academic-grade facilities and the specialist ophthalmologists who work there. 

Whether you require cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, laser vision correction, age-related macular degeneration care, eyelid surgery, regular eye checkups, or any other aspect of eye health, we lead the way in the best, cutting-edge care and treatment.

Discover more about us and our advanced approach to eye health at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/