Sclera - structure and functions. Functions and structure of the sclera of the eye. Different types of diseases What is the sclera of the eye

Scleritis is an inflammatory condition that is found in the periphery eyeball. When the disease occurs, the entire white of a person’s eye turns red, and the blood vessels stand out brightly.

Small hemorrhages are possible, which subsequently resolve on their own.

To confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist. Appointed therapeutic measures strictly adhere to to prevent the development of complications.

Causes of scleritis

The inflammatory condition of the tissues of the eyeball manifests itself in the form of complications from the underlying systemic disease:

inflammatory condition of the joints;
autoimmune diseases ( rheumatoid arthritis);
inflammatory condition of arteries and veins;
inflammatory damage to intervertebral tissues;
cartilage inflammation;
complications from previous surgical operations in the area of the eyeball;
bacterial infections that penetrate from the external parts of the organs of vision;
a bacterial infection that penetrates from the blood as a result of a systemic disease, complicated by sepsis (bacterial blood poisoning);
bacterial infection located in neighboring organs and tissues (caries, sinusitis, purulent sore throat);
uncontrolled intake medications, which affect normal microflora ( antibacterial drugs, glucocorticosteroids).

Most often, pathological microflora, causing disease, is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, streptococci. Less commonly they are caused by a fungus.

Risk group

The following categories of patients are most susceptible to the disease:

those who have suffered a systemic inflammatory disease, which has become complicated and spread to neighboring organs;
bacteria carriers in which the ratio of normal microflora is changed;
people with reduced immunity who are unable to fight infection.

Symptoms of scleritis

Patients with this disease develop characteristic clinical symptoms. The doctor can immediately guess the diagnosis. Most typical signs are:

sharp pain in the eye area, which intensifies with finger pressure, can move into various areas of the skull;
swelling of the eye tissues and eyelids;
increased sensitivity to the effect of bright light;
pronounced inflammatory conditions of the mucous membrane, cornea, conjunctiva;
if the disease is caused bacterial infection yellow or green discharge is formed;
eye movement is difficult or completely impossible due to acute pain that is not eliminated with analgesics;
in the absence of treatment, tissue necrosis is observed;
decrease in visual acuity up to complete blindness possible when the inflammatory process spreads to the internal structures of the eyes.

Based on clinical symptoms, the doctor can suggest a diagnosis. But to confirm it, it is recommended to conduct visual examinations.

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Diagnosis of scleritis

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out in several stages:

Anamnesis collection. This is data obtained from the words of the patient or his close relatives. Based on these, a diagnosis can be assumed.
General examination of the superficial tissues of the eyes. Palpation reveals increased sensitivity and acute pain. If the disease is advanced, the eye sclera becomes inflamed and red.
To exclude the spread of the process to the internal structures of the organs of vision, it is recommended to examine the fundus. To do this, an agent is instilled that temporarily eliminates the accommodation of the pupil. The condition of the lens, retina, and eye chambers is assessed.
Lab tests . In inflammatory conditions, the number of leukocytes and ESR increases. Promotion C-reactive protein indicates an autoimmune process, that is, the direction of cells immune system against the body's own tissues.
Assessment of the condition of other organs and tissues of the patient. Most often, the condition manifests itself as a result of complications from other systemic inflammatory diseases.
MRI, CT. In case of illness, it is rarely carried out, since most often the above methods are sufficient. With the help of procedures you can see internal structure eyes, brain, joints. Pronounced foci of inflammation will be visible on the screen.

After the diagnosis, the doctor can diagnose reliable diagnosis. Next, treatment is prescribed, which is selected individually for each patient.

Treatment of scleritis

Treatment for the condition depends on the cause that caused it.

For this purpose, the following categories of drugs are used:

antibacterial agents, which are prescribed locally, if this does not help, use a systemic drug;
immunosuppressants, glucocorticosteroids, which suppress the activity of the immune system directed against the body’s own tissues;
drops against increased intraocular pressure are used for glaucoma to reduce intraocular pressure until the retina ruptures;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in acute inflammatory processes, have less side effects, how hormonal substances;
antihistamines used for complications on drug treatment, as a result of which a pronounced allergic reaction is formed.

When the underlying disease is eliminated or infectious process inflammation in the eye tissues should go away.

Complications of scleritis

If you do not see a doctor or continue to ignore treatment methods, the following complications develop:

a decrease in visual acuity up to complete blindness develops over a long period of time, since the inflammatory process must reach the retina and optic nerve;
necrosis of eye tissue, developing gradually;
spread of the infectious process to the blood, which causes sepsis and death of the patient;
perforation of the sclera;
the formation of an abscess in the internal tissues of the eyes, the spread of infection to the vitreous body.

The condition has an extremely negative impact on the patient's health. Most complications can lead to death, so it is recommended to carry out timely treatment if the disease is suspected.

Forecast

If a systemic disease and complications in the eye area are detected in time and treatment is started, the prognosis is positive. It is possible to maintain a person’s health status at a certain level, since full recovery conditions in severe systemic diseases rarely happens.

In the absence of emergency treatment measures, the patient's condition will become more complicated. Gradually this will lead to his death. This can happen a short period after the onset of the disease or within several years.

Prevention

treat everything inflammatory diseases in various areas of the body to prevent the spread of the process to neighboring tissues and organs;
periodically visit an ophthalmologist to check the quality of vision and internal structures of the eyes, especially for those patients who have any disease of the visual organs;
timely treatment an infectious focus that can develop both in remote parts and in the head area (ENT organs, eyeballs, brain);
compliance with the rules of use various drugs to prevent the development of resistance in pathogenic microorganisms.

Scleritis – dangerous disease, which threatens the life and health of the patient. Therefore, it is recommended to promptly diagnose the condition of the visual organs and further treatment. The later treatment begins, the more irreversible complications there will be for the patient.

The sclera - the protein shell - is the outer dense connective tissue membrane of the eye, which performs protective and support functions. It is opaque because it consists of randomly arranged collagen fibers. Makes up 5/6 of the fibrous membrane of the eye.

The average thickness is from 0.3 to 1 mm, it is thinnest (0.3-0.5 mm) in the equator region and at the point where the optic nerve exits the eye. Here, the inner layers of the sclera form the lamina cribrosa, through which the axons of the retinal ganglion cells pass, forming the disc and stem part of the optic nerve.

Areas of scleral thinning are vulnerable to exposure high blood pressure(development of staphylomas, excavation of the optic nerve head) and damaging factors, primarily mechanical (subconjunctival tears in typical places, usually in areas between the attachment sites of extraocular muscles).

Near the cornea, the thickness of the sclera is 0.6-0.8 mm.

The sclera is poor in blood vessels, but its superficial, looser layer - the episclera - is rich in them.

The structure of the sclera

Episclera is a superficial, looser layer, rich in blood vessels. In the episclera, superficial and deep vasculature are distinguished.
The sclera's own substance contains predominantly collagen and a small amount of elastic fibers.
Dark scleral plate - a layer of loose connective tissue between the sclera and the choroid, contains pigment cells.

In the posterior part, the sclera is represented by a thin cribriform plate through which pass optic nerve and retinal vessels. Two-thirds of the thickness of the sclera passes into the optic nerve sheath, and only one-third (inner) forms the lamina cribrosa. The plate is a weak point of the eye capsule and, under the influence of increased ophthalmotonus or impaired trophism, can stretch, putting pressure on the optic nerve and blood vessels, leading to disruption of the function and nutrition of the eye.

In the limbus region, three completely different structures merge - the cornea, sclera and conjunctiva of the eyeball. As a result, this zone can be the starting point for the development of polymorphic pathological processes- from inflammatory and allergological to tumor (papilloma, melanoma) and associated with developmental anomalies (dermoid).

The limbal zone is richly vascularized due to the anterior ciliary arteries (branches of the muscular arteries), which at a distance of 2-3 mm from it give off branches not only into the eye, but also in 3 more directions:

directly to the limbus (forming the marginal vascular network)
to the episclera
to the adjacent conjunctiva

Along the circumference of the limbus there is a thick nerve plexus, formed by long and short ciliary nerves. Branches extend from it, which then enter the cornea.

The scleral tissue has few vessels, it is almost devoid of sensitive nerve endings and is predisposed to the development of pathological processes characteristic of collegenesis.

6 extraocular muscles are attached to the surface of the sclera. In addition, it has special channels (graduates, emissaries). Along some of them, arteries and nerves pass to the choroid, and along others, venous trunks of various calibers exit.

On the inner surface of the anterior edge of the sclera there is a circular groove up to 0.75 mm wide. Its posterior edge protrudes anteriorly in the form of a spur, to which the ciliary body is attached (the anterior ring of attachment of the choroid). The anterior edge of the groove borders the Descimet's membrane of the cornea. At its bottom, at the posterior edge, there is the venous sinus of the sclera (Schlemm’s canal). The rest of the scleral recess is occupied by the trabecular meshwork (reticulum trabeculare).

Changes in the sclera with age

In a newborn, the sclera is relatively thin (0.4 mm), but more elastic than in adults; pigmented sclera shines through it. inner shell, and therefore the color of the sclera is bluish. With age, it thickens, becomes opaque and rigid. In older people, the sclera becomes even more rigid and, due to lipid deposition, acquires a yellowish tint.

Functions of the sclera

The sclera is the attachment point for the eye muscles, which allow the eyeballs to move freely in different directions.
Through the sclera in back The eyeball is penetrated by blood vessels - short and long posterior ethmoidal arteries.
4-6 vortex (whirlpool) veins emerge from the eye in the equator region through the sclera, through which venous blood flows from the vascular tract.
Sensory nerves from the ophthalmic nerve (first branch trigeminal nerve) through the sclera they approach the eyeball. Sympathetic innervation to the eyeball is directed from the superior cervical ganglion.
Two-thirds of the thickness of the sclera passes into the optic nerve sheath.

The sclera of the eye is the largest membrane of the visual organ. It occupies up to 5/6 of the entire area. Scleral thickness in different places varies and in some places reaches 1 mm. The sclera is completely opaque, it has a matte White color. In young children, the thickness of this membrane is small, so the visual pigment shines through it, due to which the eye acquires a bluish tint. As the child grows, the thickness of this membrane increases.

The structure of the sclera and its functions

The sclera is the opaque covering of the visual organs. Due to the density and light resistance of the sclera, it is ensured good vision and normal intraocular pressure. This membrane serves to protect the visual organ from various types of damage.

This shell has several layers. The outer layer is literally penetrated by a vascular network, due to which good blood supply is ensured. This area is connected to the outer part of the eyeball. The capillaries pass through the muscle layer to the anterior part of the visual organ. The outer layer has more intense blood circulation than the inner areas.

The sclera consists of collagen and fibrocytes. This area is involved in the production of collagen and separates it into individual fibers.

The last layer is called brown. This layer acquired its name due to the content of a special pigment, which gives color to this area. This pigmentation is caused by special cells called chromatophores.

The entire thickness of the sclera is penetrated by tiny blood vessels and nerve endings. This is a very sensitive shell.

Diseases

There are several diseases of the sclera of the eye that can lead to permanent vision impairment. This is due to the fact that this part of the visual organ performs several important functions at once, and any violation persistently affects visual acuity. Diseases can be congenital or acquired and have different character. The most common acquired pathologies are:

If a person has sclera blue color, then this may be caused by improper formation of the connective tissues of the eyes in the womb. This attractive color is explained by the transparency of the layer and the fact that another pigment layer is visible through it. The cause of this pathology may be diseases of the joints and auditory organs.

Another disease of the sclera of the eye is melanosis. In this case, characteristic spots form on the surface of the shell dark color. People with such a deviation should be registered with an ophthalmologist - this is necessary to avoid various complications such as retinal detachment and visual impairment.

Inflammatory diseases of this membrane of the visual organ are quite common. Such ailments can be caused by disruption of work different organs both systems and infections. Any infectious diseases, regardless of their location, can be an impetus for the development of eye diseases. This is due to the fact that pathogens quickly spread throughout the body through the bloodstream.

A doctor can make a correct diagnosis in a particular case after a preliminary examination.

Diagnostic methods

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to correctly diagnose the disease. To do this, collect anamnesis and conduct an examination of the patient. If necessary, the membranes of the optic organs are examined under a microscope. In some cases, an ultrasound of the eyes is required.

To correctly assess the patient’s health, a detailed blood test is performed. In some cases, genetic counseling is necessary.

Symptoms for diseases of the sclera

The diseases occur with characteristic symptoms, which make it easy to make a diagnosis. Most often observed:

With melanosis of the eyes, dark spots form around the visual organs; most often they are smooth, but at times they rise slightly above the surface. They can spread to the skin around the eyebrows and forehead.

Congenital pathologies

Congenital diseases are indicated when the color of the sclera or its shape changes. Such diseases are genetic and are diagnosed extremely rarely. The pronounced blue color of the shell indicates such a pathology. Such patients have poor hearing and suffer from frequent bone fractures.

In this case, a color change is observed already at the birth of the child. In newborns with this anomaly, the blueness of the eyes is more pronounced than in healthy children, and does not go away by six months. The size of the eyes is usually not changed, but in addition to this, there may be other visual impairments - color blindness, cataracts, clouding of the cornea.

IN severe cases Children with this pathology die in the prenatal period. But it also happens that a child suffers from frequent bone fractures and only by adolescence such cases become fewer.

Cysts on the sclera can also be congenital or acquired. The latter occur after eye injuries and penetrating wounds. Cysts occur different sizes and shapes. They are immobile and grow rather slowly. In this case, the treatment is surgical; the cyst is removed classically or with a laser. If the posterior wall of the cyst is severely thinned, it is necessary to perform scleroplasty.

There are also tumors that affect this membrane. Such pathologies occur quite often and can be a complication of other oncological diseases. Problems with the sclera of the eye are often observed in patients with tuberculosis and diabetes.

Treatment in this case is mainly symptomatic, aimed at maintaining normal health.

Treatment

Any treatment should begin with a quality diagnosis. Initially, the cause that led to changes in the membranes of the eye is precisely determined. In some cases, it is enough to simply eliminate the root cause to normalize the patient’s condition. Treatment uses medications, physiotherapeutic procedures and surgical methods.

The patient is prescribed drugs to reduce intraocular pressure, as well as anti-inflammatory drops and ointments. Treatment is always carried out comprehensively.

If there is severe deterioration in vision or a retinal tear, then resort to surgical treatment. Strengthening the posterior pole of the eye is often used. In patients with staphylomas, the sclera is shortened and alloplasty is performed. If the cause of the disorder is glaucoma, then this disease is initially treated surgically.

After treatment, the patient remains registered with an ophthalmologist for some time. This allows you to timely identify various deviations and avoid complications.

Prevention of scleral diseases

The visual organs are very sensitive to any negative factors. In order to maintain good vision for many years, you must adhere to the following recommendations from doctors:

Eat rationally. The daily menu should contain a lot of plant foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Avoid injury to the visual organs.
Pregnant women should not self-medicate or take any medications without a doctor's prescription.
At the first signs of visual disease, you should see an ophthalmologist.
If the ophthalmologist has prescribed treatment, it should be carried out in the recommended course.

It is impossible to prevent genetic eye diseases, but before planning a pregnancy, it is advisable for parents who have vision problems to visit a geneticist. If a newborn is diagnosed with congenital eye diseases, consultation with leading specialists is necessary.

Diseases of the sclera are not such a common occurrence, but they always lead to deterioration of vision. Treatment of such diseases requires a balanced approach. If conservative methods If they don’t give results for a long time, they resort to surgery.

The human eye is a truly unique natural creation, representing an organ of vision. In terms of its structure, the eye is quite complex and consists of a huge number of structural elements.

Of course, there is no need for the average person to know about each of them, but every person should definitely become familiar with the main parts of the eye. One of these is the sclera of the eye, which performs a considerable number of important functions for the body.

More details about its structure, purpose and possible pathologies Let's talk in the material below.

The sclera of the eye is its outer part

The sclera is a multi-layered tissue on the outer part of the eye. Anatomically, the scleral formation is fibrous tissue fairly dense structure. The sclera surrounds the pupil and eyes with a dense ring and forms a kind of white matter.

At the structural level, this part of the organ is organized very complexly. Simply put, the sclera is made up of fascicle-shaped and randomly arranged collagen. Thanks to the latter substance, scleral tissue is opaque and has different densities throughout its entire area.

As noted earlier, the sclera of the eye consists of several layers, of which the following are fundamentally distinguished:

Outer layer. It is represented by loose tissue with a clearly organized and branched system of vessels that organize two vascular networks eyes: superficial and deep.
Scleral layer. It mainly consists of collagen, or rather its fibers and more complex elastic tissues.
Deep layer. Located in the area between the outer layer and the choroid of the eye. Structurally, it is represented by connective tissues and pigment cells - chromatophores.

The anatomical organization of the sclera presented above is valid both for its anterior section, which is accessible to the gaze of the person himself, and for the posterior section of the eye, located in the eye socket. It is worth noting that the posterior section of the scleral tissue looks like a thin plate with a lattice structure.

Functions of the sclera

The color of healthy sclera is white with a slight blue tint.

Based on what was discussed earlier anatomical structure sclera of the eye, we can draw some conclusions regarding its functional purpose, which, by the way, is quite large. At its core, the functions of scleral tissue are extremely diverse.

The most significant of these is performed by collagen, which has a chaotic arrangement and complex structure. These features of fibrous tissue protect the eye from adverse effects sunlight due to intense refraction of rays.

For the person himself, this function of the sclera helps to organize stably and clearly visual function, which, in principle, is the main purpose of scleral tissue.

In addition to protection from sun rays, the sclera organizes the protection of the sensitive elements of the eye from external factors that can damage them. At the same time, the spectrum of potential damage includes both physical disorders and chronic pathologies.

Additional, but not less important function The sclera of the eye is that it is this tissue that organizes a kind of frame for attaching the ligamentous, muscular, vascular and other apparatus of the eye.

The sclera also provides:

the path of the ethmoidal arteries to the posterior part of the eye;
an approach optic nerve to the eye muscles and the eye itself;
protection of most blood vessels and nerve fibers eyes;
the exit of venous branches from the eye, providing blood outflow.

The sclera is both a protective shell and a strong framework for organizing the structure of the eye.

Possible pathologies

The sclera of the eye as an indicator of human health

It is important to understand that the health and stability of the functioning of this organ largely depends on the condition of the scleral tissue of the eye. In its normal state, the sclera is white with a slight blue tint.

In an adult, just such tissue is normally observed, but in children, due to the small thickness of this tissue, the blue pigment may have a more pronounced structure, so some children have a noticeable blue tint to the color of the sclera.

The first thing that indicates improper functioning of the body is a change in the color of the scleral tissue of the eye. As a rule, the sclera either becomes dull or acquires a yellowish tint. In both cases, a change in its color is a sure sign of the development of pathology.

So, for example, yellowness of the scleral tissue indicates the presence of an eye infection or liver problems. The only people who may have slight yellowing and looseness of the sclera are older people. This phenomenon is caused by the deposition of fat in the tissues and the thickening of the pigment layer, which is the norm.

There are frequent cases in medical practice, when a person, after growing up, the sclera of the eyes also remains with a pronounced blue tint. This phenomenon indicates a congenital disorder in the structure of the organ. Often it indicates a violation of the formation of the eyeball in the womb. In any case, if you notice a change in the color of the sclera in yourself or your loved ones, you must immediately visit the clinic.

In medicine, there are two types of pathologies of the scleral tissue of the eye - congenital diseases and acquired. Among the first type, the most common are the following:

Melanosis or melanopathy is a congenital disease manifested in excessive pigmentation of the scleral tissue with melanin, as a result of which it acquires a yellowish tint. This pathology manifests itself from childhood and indicates problems with carbohydrate metabolism in the human body.
Blue sclera syndrome is a disease similar to the previous one, but differs only in the pronounced blue tint of the scleral tissue. As a rule, this pathology is accompanied by other visual or hearing impairments. Blue sclera syndrome is often associated with iron deficiency in the body.

Acquired pathologies of the sclera of the eye include:

Staphyloma, expressed in depletion of the membrane and its protrusion. This disease manifests itself due to the development of destructive processes in the human eyes.
Episcleritis, which is an inflammatory process of the outer fibrous covering of the eye, which is complemented by nodular seals around the cornea. Often does not require treatment and goes away on its own, but can recur.
Scleritis, also an inflammation, but of the inner sclera. This pathology is always accompanied painful sensations, immunodeficiency of the patient and tissue edema.

The ailments presented above, like most acquired pathologies of scleral tissue, are an inflammatory process of the eye membrane, which is caused by its depletion due to the action of unfavorable external factors. Inflammations, as a rule, are provoked by infections and are accompanied by disruptions in the functioning of other organs of the body.

Checking the condition of the sclera

Sclera of the eye: schematically

Having determined the unhealthy state of the sclera, you must immediately visit a specialist. As a rule, pathologies of scleral tissue are accompanied by the following symptoms:

pain in the eyes, aggravated by moving them;
constant feeling that there is something in the eyeball;
involuntary lacrimation;
change in color of the sclera;
manifestation of pronounced disturbances in the structure of the eyeball: its protrusion, expansion blood vessels etc.

It is important to note that ignoring even minor pathologies of the sclera is extremely dangerous, as they can cause some complications. The most unpleasant of the latter are clouding and deformation, as a result of which a person either completely or partially loses vision.

By contacting a specialist in a timely manner, talking with him and carrying out basic procedures, you can reduce the risk of developing complications of scleral tissue pathologies to almost zero, naturally with the condition that appropriate treatment will be organized.

It is worth understanding that therapy for diseases of the sclera of the eye is a long process that cannot be neglected. Having decided to treat such pathologies, you need to be prepared for a long and persistent course of treatment, otherwise you most likely will not be able to defeat the disease.

As you can see, understanding what the sclera of the eye is, what functions it performs and what it can suffer from is not so difficult. The main thing is to delve into the topic and familiarize yourself with the material presented above. We hope today's article was useful to you. Good health to you!

Scleroplasty - an operation to strengthen the sclera - in a real video:

The opaque part of the fibrous membrane is the sclera of the eye. It covers 85% of all surfaces and is primarily responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. The features of its structure provide wide range functions. With anomalies and the development of pathologies, there is a risk of vision loss. Problems with the sclera cause a number of characteristic symptoms, if present, you should consult a doctor. Treatment depends on the current disease and the stage of its development; in most cases, local drug treatment is used.

Anatomy of the sclera

The sclera is the white membrane of the eye, located on the outside and, together with the cornea, is a fibrous tissue. Reaching the iris, it forms a dense protective ring. According to its physical characteristics, it has a white color and an opaque structure, due to which a person has vision. This is a fairly dense tissue of several layers; normally the thickness of the sclera reaches up to 1 mm. Despite this structure, the protein membrane of the eyeball can stretch, but this property decreases with age.

Shell structure

Density is ensured due to anatomical features. The structure of the sclera is a very complex process. The main component is collagen, it is arranged in a chaotic manner, thus causing the opacity of the eye. Full functionality is possible thanks to the multilayered shell, with the layers of the sclera differing in composition and density:

The shell has a very complex and intricate structure.

Outer layer. The thinnest ball, filled with a large number of blood vessels.
Middle layer. It is also called scleral, it contains maximum amount collagen.
Inner layer. Represents connective tissue in combination with the pigment part.

The visible part of the sclera is only the top layer, the subsequent ones are located inside, but when depleted, protrusion is possible. This process is observed in ophthalmic pathologies.

What functions does it perform?

The versatility of the shell is ensured by its complex structure. Each of the 3 layers plays its role and only a holistic effect guarantees full vision. All functions tunica albuginea the eyes are quite varied. First of all, we are talking about protecting the pupil from external damage. The sun has a negative effect on the condition of the eye. It is due to the refraction of light in the shell that the pupil does not dazzle and an image appears. In addition, the sclera performs the following functions:

The sclera makes it possible to move our eyes in the direction we need.

Untangles with fastenings for the vascular and muscular apparatus.
Provides blood outflow through venous branches.
Responsible for eye mobility.
Conducts moisture through the venous sinus of the sclera.
Provides safe passage of the nerve to the eyeball.

What does healthy sclera look like?

Distinguish sick condition The protein sphere can be distinguished from a healthy one by color. In infancy, the sclera is thin, so the membranes appear blue. This condition is not considered pathological and goes away on its own over time. What color of proteins in an adult may indicate the genetic nature of the problem; dystrophic changes have formed at the intrauterine level.

Yellowness of the sclera indicates possible pathologies. At the same time, the shell looks dull and cloudy. Such changes may indicate the impact of an infection. Lesions are not only local; kidney disease affects the color of the proteins. In old age, there may be large quantities of fat cells in the eyes; they can change color to yellow.

Diseases

The organ is susceptible inflammatory processes which are caused by bacteria.

Pathologies that develop in the eyes at the level of the sclera are most often of an inflammatory nature, provoked by infections. However, primary sources are not always located directly in the organ. Painful manifestations in the membrane of the eye can only act as symptoms of the main processes. First of all, the ophthalmologist looks for the main diseases of the sclera, these include the following:

Scleritis. Pathology inflammatory in nature, in which the inner layers of the shell are affected.
Staphyloma. The disease is caused by destructive processes, as a result of which the membrane is depleted.
Episcleritis. Damage to the upper layer, accompanied by the formation of nodules.

Developmental anomalies

Congenital disorders pose a significant risk pathological forms, they are difficult to diagnose and do not always respond to conservative treatment. These include blue sclera syndrome. This color may indicate insufficient iron in the blood. Often such a disease is not a single developmental deviation; other pathologies of the eyes, ears, and musculoskeletal system are also observed.

With an excess amount of melanin, the layers become yellow.

One more congenital pathology is melanosis or melanopathy. This disease is also associated with pigmentation, only the membrane becomes yellow due to saturation with melanin. This process occurs as a result of a violation carbohydrate metabolism. Changes in color may appear in different ways, with distinctive layers or spots appearing on the top layer.