The Eye

The Retina

The retina is the nerve tissue that lines the inside of the eyeball. It is crucial for sight. If the eye is thought of as a camera, the retina is like the “film” in the camera.

The Macula

The macula is the very central point of the retina. It is therefore the most important area of the retina and is used for central vision and reading. The most common disease affecting the macula is age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The Vitreous

The vitreous is the clear, colourless “jelly-like” substance that fills the eyeball. It is similar in consistency to egg-white. It can be affected by bleeding and inflammation.

The Choroid

The choroid is the layer of the eyeball that lies underneath the retina. It is full of blood vessels provide nutrition to the retina. In some diseases it can be thicker than normal.

The Sclera

The sclera is the tough, white layer of the eye. It is the outer wall of the eye, and is located outside of the choroid. The sclera is visible from the front as the white part of the eye, but extends around the entire eyeball to the back of the eye.

The Optic Nerve

The optic nerve is the cabling that transports visual images collected by the retina to the brain. It is affected in glaucoma.

Lens

Sitting at the front of the eye, this focusses light onto the retina. When it becomes cloudy this is known as a cataract.

Cornea

The clear front “window” of your eye.