The sclera is the white membrane that covers the eyeballs. From the Greek language the word is translated as "hard". It is referred to as the fibrous membrane, which includes the cornea. The sclera is formed from collagen fibers, the chaotic arrangement of which causes its opacity.
The density of the tunica albuginea is not the same in different parts of the eyes. In children, the sclera is thin, over time it thickens. On average, its thickness is 0.3-1 mm. Like other components of the eyes, the sclera is susceptible to diseases of a congenital, acquired nature. Any of them becomes a hindrance to a full life.
Structure
The sclera is a fibrous tissue with a fairly dense structure. It surrounds the iris, the pupil, and is composed of bundled collagen. Let's analyze the structure of the sclera. It consists of several layers:
- External (episcleral). This is a loose tissue, vessels are located in it. They make up a deep, surface mesh. The peculiarity of the outer layer is a reliable connection with the outer part of the eyeballs.
- Scleral. The composition includes collagen, elastic tissues, fibrocyte substances involved in collagen synthesis.
- Internal ("brown plate"). This is a connective tissue, it contains chromatophores that cause a brownish tint to the surface of the shell.
The posterior sclera is a thin plate with a lattice structure. Axons, processes of ganglion cells, exit through it. In the tunica albuginea are the nerve roots, blood vessels, they pass through the emissaries (special channels).
A groove is located on the anterior margin on the inner side of the sclera. Its main part is occupied by the trabecular diaphragm, above it is the Schlemm canal. The anterior edge of the groove is located next to the Descemet's membrane; the ciliary body is attached to the posterior edge.
Functions
An important task of the sclera is to provide good quality vision. The tunica albuginea prevents light from entering the eyes, protecting them from intense illumination and glare. It protects internal structures from damage and negative factors.
The sclera forms the support of the elements outside the eyeballs. These include: ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, oculomotor muscles. Additional functions of the tunica albuginea:
- Fixation of nerves to the eyes, muscle tissues;
- Ensuring the outflow of blood through the venous branches.
Since the sclera is a dense structure, it helps maintain intraocular pressure within optimal values \u200b\u200band facilitates the outflow of intraocular fluid.
Diseases of the sclera
The condition of the sclera directly affects the normal functioning of the eyes. In a healthy person, the shell is white, with a slight blue tint. In some children, the color of the sclera may be more intense due to its thinness. If, as you grow older, the bright blue tint of the eye shell does not disappear, then this is a congenital pathology. It developed as a result of violations of the formation of the eyes in the prenatal period.
Any change in the shade of the sclera is a sign of a malfunction in the body.
In this case, it fades or becomes yellowish. Yellowness may indicate liver ailments, eye infection. If you notice that the tunica albuginea has changed color, you should go to the doctor. However, in the elderly, slight yellowing of the sclera is a variant of the norm. It is caused by the thickening of the pigment layer, the accumulation of fats.
Distinguish between congenital and acquired pathologies of the sclera of the eye. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Congenital diseases
Congenital scleral diseases include:
- Melanopathy (melanosis). It is manifested by excessive pigmentation of the scleral tissues with melanin, so the tunica albuginea becomes yellowish. Melanopathy is a symptom of carbohydrate metabolism problems. It is detected already in childhood.
- Aniridium. A rare pathology characterized by the absence of the iris in the sclera. It is caused by a mutation in a gene that is responsible for the normal development of the organs of vision. Acquired aniridia also occurs. It develops due to trauma, inflammation of the iris. In some patients, the iris is destroyed due to degenerative processes.
- Blue sclera syndrome. The tissue of the white of the eye takes on a bright blue tint. Concomitant ailments are also identified: blurred vision, hearing impairment, iron deficiency. The syndrome can be a sign of a severe hereditary bone disease, manifested by their deformation, thinning of bone tissue, malfunctioning of the joints, curvature of the spine.
Congenital scleral pathologies do not have special methods of therapy. If concomitant diseases are identified, symptomatic treatment is prescribed.
Acquired diseases
The sclera of the eye is subject to the development of acquired pathologies that can occur in systemic diseases of the connective tissue. The weak point of the shell is the plate, since it can stretch under the influence of negative factors. As a result of deformation, this part of the eye begins to press on the vessels, nerve endings.
Diseases of the sclera are caused by the presence of other weak points. These include areas that are too thin, where staphylomas (protrusions) are formed. Tears may appear on the tunica albuginea. As a rule, they are found between the sites of attachments of the oculomotor muscles.
Some are diagnosed with excavation (deepening) of the nerve disc. Pathology often accompanies glaucoma. Other ailments, conditions with excavation: edema, neuropathy, coloboma, retinal vein thrombosis.
Inflammatory diseases develop quite often: scleritis, episcleritis.
Pathological processes are provoked by the depletion of the membrane due to the effects of infections, other negative factors and are often accompanied by a malfunction of the functioning of other organs.
Let us consider in more detail the acquired diseases of the sclera.
Episclerite
Episcleritis is an inflammatory pathology of external fibrous tissues. It is accompanied by the appearance of seals in the form of nodules. More often, the disease is detected in women from 40 years old, in the elderly, less often in children. The pathology is chronic, affecting both eyes. Her reasons:
- Infectious diseases;
- An increase in the level of uric acid in the blood;
- Inflammatory pathologies;
- A bite of an insect;
- Eye trauma;
- Allergy;
- Contact with a foreign object;
- The action of chemicals;
- Hormonal imbalance.
The affected eye turns bright red. The patient is tormented by discomfort, pain, photosensitivity. The eyelids, the membranes of the eyes swell. Unlike conjunctivitis, episcleritis does not affect the vessels, it proceeds more easily.
The pathology is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist using the following methods:
- Biomicroscopy (examination of eye structures);
- Perimetry (examination of the boundaries of visual fields);
- Tonometry (measurement of intraocular pressure);
- Refractometry (measurement of refraction, determination of the quality of vision);
- Visometry (definition of visual acuity).
Episcleritis sometimes accompanies other pathologies, so it is better to visit an infectious disease doctor, endocrinologist, allergist, rheumatologist.
Therapy includes the appointment of drugs, physiotherapy. The patient is prescribed drops of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ("Dexapos", "Dexamethasone"), moisturizing drugs (drugs "artificial tear"). If an infection is found, antibiotics are needed. UHF has a positive effect.
The prevention of episcleritis includes:
- Strengthening the immune system;
- Compliance with hygiene;
- Timely detection, treatment of diseases affecting the state of the organs of vision;
- Eye protection when working in a chemical industry.
Scleritis is an inflammation of the sclera that affects all of its layers. The pathology proceeds with a pain symptom, tissue edema, and leads to a drop in vision. If scleritis is not cured in time, the tunica albuginea is completely destroyed, and blindness occurs. Typically, the disease affects one eye, and sometimes both. It is more often diagnosed in women, rarely in children.
Scleritis reasons:
- Inflammation;
- Eye trauma;
- Allergy;
- Ophthalmic operations;
- Infections;
- Gout;
- Exposure to radiation;
- The influence of chemicals;
- A bite of an insect;
- Contact with a foreign object.
In addition to pain and swelling, the disease manifests itself as photophobia, tearing, redness of the eyes, and increased intraocular pressure. Itching, burning appear, vision falls. With purulent scleritis, pus is released. If the eye is injured, rejection, retinal rupture, become complications.
Scleritis is detected by examining the organs of vision. Doing a blood test, lacrimal fluid. The following types of research are carried out: biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, CT, eye ultrasound, MRI.
For the treatment of scleritis, the following are often prescribed:
- NSAIDs in the form of drops, ointments ("Tobradex", "Dexapos", "Dexamethasone") - to eliminate inflammation.
- Antihypertensive drops (Betaxolol, Mezaton) - to reduce intraocular pressure.
- Drops based on enzymes ("Giazon", "Lidaza"). Contribute to the elimination of foci of inflammation.
- Pain relievers (Movalis, Butadion, Indomethacin). Reduce discomfort, relieve the condition.
- Antibiotics-penicillins ("Ampicillin", "Amoxicillin"). Used when detecting a bacterial infection.
Simultaneously with the use of medicines, physiotherapy is used:
- Electrophoresis. Allows the drug to penetrate into the deep tissues of the eyes.
- Magnetotherapy. Stimulates the processes of tissue repair, accelerates healing.
- UHF. Electromagnetic, thermal effect increases blood flow, eliminates pain, inflammation.
If conservative methods do not help, an operation is prescribed. It is usually indicated for necrotizing scleritis, when the cornea is affected and vision is severely impaired. During the operation, a part of the sclera is transplanted from the donor. Intervention is indicated for a purulent process (for opening an abscess), when a foreign body gets into the eye.
It is best to wear sunglasses when sclerating.
Do not lift weights, jump, run, as tears may appear in the affected sclera. Disease prevention includes several measures:
- Compliance with eye hygiene.
- Protection of the organs of vision from dust, direct rays of the sun.
- Elimination of pathologies that cause scleritis.
- Avoiding contact with allergenic substances, insects.
Staphilomas appear as a result of loosening of the collagen in the sclera. The process occurs with the development of severe myopia (myopia). It is accompanied by a drop in vision, rapid fatigue, and a feeling of heaviness in the eyes. Sometimes the field of vision is narrowed. Staphilomas lead to complications: dystrophy, retinal detachment, cataract, open-angle glaucoma.
Treatment of pathology is complex (conservative, surgical), it is aimed at slowing the progression of myopia. Prescribe means for relaxation of accommodation ("Irifrin", "Midriacil", "Atropine"), strengthening the sclera (antioxidants, vitamins), to improve the hemodynamics of the eyes and metabolism ("Cytochrome C", "Reticulin", "Kuspavit"). Physiotherapy procedures are shown: laser stimulation, electrophoresis. Wearing orthokeratological rigid lenses helps.
The operation is performed to prevent further scleral stretching.
Staphiloma prophylaxis includes measures to slow the development of myopia. These include:
- Strengthening the body;
- Compliance with hygiene, daily routine;
- Restriction of pastime at the computer, TV;
- Regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist.
Scleral tears
Scleral rupture is a wound with protrusion, damage, loss of the internal structures of the eyes. Pathology causes a pronounced dysfunction of the organs of vision. Eye injuries are often the cause.
If a rupture of the sclera is detected, sutures are applied to the wound. Diathermocoagulation is performed to prevent retinal detachment. Prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy (antibiotic drugs, sulfa drugs, anesthetics).
Excavation of the nerve disc
Excavation of the optic nerve head is a depression in its center. The violation can be caused by pathological changes, but it is also a variant of the norm. Physiological excavation is detected in 75% of healthy people.
With glaucomatous changes, examination of the fundus shows a blanching of the nerve disc. The depression is first located in the temporal, central parts, then the entire disc changes. Pathology is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Soreness, feeling of heaviness in the eyes;
- Visual fatigue;
- Drop in vision;
- Duplication of the picture;
- Limitation of the field of vision.
The sclera is the outer shell of the eyeball, which covers 5/6 of its area. Due to the high density of the tissue, the sclera acts as a kind of opaque capsule with variable thickness.
Scleral structure
There are three layers in the structure of the sclera:
- External, which is called episclera;
- Middle, or sclera proper;
- Internal (brown plate).
The episclera contains a large number of blood vessels that supply oxygen to the blood. In the upper areas, the blood flow is more powerful than in the rest of the parts. This pattern is associated with the fact that most of the vessels come from the muscle fibers of the anterior part of the eyeball.
The middle layer contains many collagen fibers and fibrocytes. The latter produce collagen as needed.
The brown plate contains a large amount of pigment, which gives a specific color to the tissues of this layer. The pigment cells that are found in the inner layer of the sclera are called zromatophores. The endothelium is located on top of the brown plate.
The entire thickness of the sclera is penetrated with nerve fibers and vascular bundles that pass through special channels (emissaries).
Physiological sclera
The main role of the sclera is protective, it prevents the negative influence of external factors (mechanical and physical) on the internal structures of the eye. This ensures the normal functioning of the eye and clear vision of objects. In addition, some muscle fibers are attached to the sclera, which help the eye move when exploring the outside world. This important function of the sclera is called support.
Video about the structure of the sclera of the eye
Scleral lesion symptoms
With a disease of the sclera, the following symptoms are characteristic:
- Scleral rupture;
- The formation of dark spots on the surface;
- Decrease in general visual acuity;
- Changes in the structure of collagen fibers.
Diagnostic methods for scleral lesions
To identify pathology with suspected scleral disease, perform the following manipulations:
- External visual inspection;
- eyes;
- eyes using a microscope.
Once again, it should be recalled that the main function of the sclera is a protective one, due to which it protects the eye from mechanical influence and negative environmental factors. In this regard, it is very important to care for this structure of the eye properly and undergo examinations by doctors to identify pathology.
Diseases of the sclera
Due to the fact that the sclera protects the eye from external influences and provides support function, disruption of its work negatively affects the entire optical system. Among the diseases of the sclera, the following groups are distinguished:
- Congenital (in particular, melanosis);
- Acquired (eg, staphyloma,).
With a decrease in thickness, the color of the sclera changes. Sometimes this is due to a disorder in the area of \u200b\u200bthe hearing aid. With melanosis, dark spots appear on the surface of the sclera.
With inflammation in the area of \u200b\u200bthe eyeball, the process can affect other systems of the body, and therefore requires intervention.
Scleritis is an inflammation of the posterior portion of the fibrous membrane. The danger of the disease is that it covers all layers of the sclera, which is the outer protective shell of the eyeball. It acts as a kind of support for its internal structures. Scleritis can lead to very serious consequences. We will find out how he is treated.
Sclerites eyes - what is it?
The sclera (tunica albuginea) of the eye plays a critical role in ensuring quality vision. It is part of the fibrous membrane, which also includes the cornea. The sclera is very dense and opaque in structure. This allows her to protect the inner parts of the eye from external influences. Light rays do not penetrate through the sclera, which would cause blinding if it were transparent. In addition, the tunica albuginea maintains intraocular pressure and takes an active part in the outflow of aqueous humor. Diseases of this part of the eyeball can cause serious complications.
Scleritis is an inflammatory process that affects all layers of the sclera and leads to its destruction. Because of this, the outer shell of the eye begins to exfoliate. The inner layers and all visual functions are in danger. With an unfavorable course of the disease, a person can completely lose sight.
Scleritis reasons
Most often, scleritis occurs due to streptococcal infections, pneumococcal pneumonia, gout, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. A secondary disease, scleritis, occurs with purulent inflammation of the eyeball and endophalmitis - an accumulation of pus in the vitreous body. Sometimes chemical and mechanical trauma to the eye leads to scleritis. In other words, various factors can provoke this pathology. In general, the causes of scleritis of the eye can be designated as follows:
- Systemic diseases of the body.
- Postoperative complications.
- Infections.
Also, inflammation of the sclera can be a symptom of pathologies such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Wegener's granulomatosis, recurrent arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis. Most often, scleritis develops in women aged 30-50 years. In most patients, inflammation of the sclera occurs against the background of diseases associated with connective tissue (rheumatoid diseases). Consider now the symptoms and treatment of scleritis.
Scleritis symptoms
The causes of scleritis and symptoms determine the nature of the course, that is, the form of the disease, and, consequently, the methods of its treatment. The first signs appear a few days after the onset of inflammation. Almost always, the patient begins to worry about pain in the eye and head. Patients report boring and deep pain. Because of this, appetite is disturbed, sleep is lost. Subsequently, other signs appear:
- Severe redness of the eye. In some cases, it has a purple tint and covers almost the entire cornea. This is due to vasodilation.
- Lachrymation. Nerve endings in the eye become irritated, causing tears to flow. Usually lacrimation is accompanied by sharp pain.
- Pale yellow spots on the tunica albuginea. This sign indicates necrosis or dissection of the sclera.
- Photophobia. Not all patients develop it.
- Overcrowding of blood vessels under the conjunctiva.
- Grayish marks on the sclera, indicating its thinning.
Visual acuity decreases when the retina is peeled off or its central zone is damaged. Also, deterioration of visual functions is observed if a person has astigmatism.
Symptoms and treatment of scleritis also depend on the form of pathology. So, posterior scleritis, which is a rather rare phenomenon, is accompanied by pain and a state of tension in the eye. The mobility of the eyeball is limited, edema occurs. In general, such inflammation will be imperceptible even on examination. It can be identified using echography and tomography. Posterior scleritis occurs due to syphilis, herpes, rheumatism, tuberculosis and leads to the development of cataracts, keratitis, increased intraocular pressure.
Necrotizing scleritis always causes severe pain that is permanent. They are localized in the eye, temporal region, superciliary arch, jaw. Analgesics and other medications do not help relieve pain. Necrotizing scleritis is complicated by purulent inflammation in the vitreous body and other structures of the eye. This form of pathology is also rare.
Scleritis treatment
This disease is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and other drugs, the action of which is aimed at eliminating the cause of scleritis. Also, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy procedures, including electrophoresis. In severe cases of the disease, an operation is performed. Usually, it becomes necessary for purulent neoplasms, damage to the retina, the appearance of astigmatism or glaucoma. Severe damage to the sclera, its thinning, is treated with donor tissue transplantation. It is also necessary for serious corneal injuries.
The patient can also alleviate his condition with the help of folk remedies. Of course, they should not be used as a substitute for primary treatment. Lotions of aloe, decoctions of calendula and chamomile, sage and thyme will help reduce pain. Such remedies are not capable of curing the disease.
Complications of scleritis
Some of the consequences of an unfavorable outcome have already been mentioned. Sometimes the inflammation is complicated in the cornea, iris, and ciliary body. Because of this, adhesions form between the lens and the pupillary edge of the iris. This leads to deterioration of vision, clouding of the anterior chamber of the eye. The main complications of scleritis:
- keratitis;
- iridocyclitis;
- opacity in the vitreous humor;
- thinning of the sclera;
- deformation of the eyeball;
- astigmatism;
- secondary glaucoma;
- detachment of the retina;
- clouding of the cornea;
- endophthalmitis;
- panophthalmitis.
According to medical statistics, in 14% of patients, vision deteriorates significantly in the first year of illness. Approximately 30% of patients notice a decrease in visual function within 3 years after inflammation. 50% of patients diagnosed with necrotizing scleritis die within 10 years. Death occurs mainly from a heart attack. The outcome depends on the form of the pathology and when the treatment is started. An unfavorable prognosis is not often made. It is only important to identify the disease in time.
Prophylaxis
As such, the prevention of inflammation of the sclera has not been developed. Try to strengthen your immunity, eat right, exercise, take vitamins. Visit the ophthalmologist's office more often and undergo examinations, in principle. Do not run eye and other diseases. Practice good hygiene, especially after eye surgery.
Hello dear readers!
I present to your attention another article from the section "The structure of the eye".
Today we will focus on the sclera - the main part of the fibrous membrane of the eyeball. This also includes the cornea, but we will talk about it in the next article.
Visually, we see the sclera as a white dense layer of the front surface of our eye, but in fact it covers 5/6 of the eyeball area.
In my article I want to talk about the structural features of the sclera and the important functions that it performs.
What is the sclera
The outer fibrous membrane of the eye is represented by the sclera, which borders the cornea in front.
But unlike the transparent cornea, the sclera is an opaque shell with a dense composition that looks like a tendon.
Normally, the sclera is white, so we usually call the visible part of the "white of the eye".
In newborns, it can have a blue tint, and in the elderly, it can be yellowish.
From above, the sclera (tunica albuginea) is covered with a transparent layer - the conjunctiva.
The structure of the tunica albuginea
The thickness and density of the sclera in different areas is different and varies from 0.3 to 1.0 mm.
The greatest thickness - at the base of the optic nerve - is up to 1.2 mm. In front, the shell becomes thinner, and at the border of the junction with the cornea it does not exceed 0.3-0.4 mm.
In the center of the posterior part of the sclera is a multilayer lattice plate through which the optic nerve and retinal vessels pass.
There are three layers in the structure of the sclera:
- episclera - is a superficial and loose layer. It is permeated with blood vessels and is characterized by an excellent blood supply;
- the sclera itself - it consists of collegian fibers and is similar in structure to the cornea. Fibrocides are located in the space between the fibers, which are responsible for the production of collagen.
Collagen fibers are arranged in a chaotic sequence, this explains the opacity of the albuginea.
- brown plate (inner layer) - got its name because of the large number of pigment-containing cells - chromatophores, which give this layer a brown color.
Blood supply
The vascular system of nutrition of the sclera is divided into deep and superficial.
The anterior (outer) sections are rich in excellent blood flow. This is due to the fact that the blood vessels, passing through the entire thickness of the oculomotor muscles, go directly to the anterior part of the eye.
Blood vessels pass through the thickness of the sclera through the emissaries - special openings that are through channels.
The shell also contains its own vessels, but in minimal quantities. Basically, the sclera is nourished by the transit conjunctival vessels.
Structural features
Since in its structure the sclera is a connective tissue, this membrane is susceptible to the occurrence of various pathological processes.
A thin sclera is observed in children; with age, it acquires the required thickness.
As the body ages, the fibrous membrane becomes thinner, which is associated with a loss of elasticity and ability to stretch, as well as an increase in its water content.
In places where it becomes thinner, there may be protrusions or tears.
Such vulnerable areas are the attachment points of the tendons of the eye muscles, in which the thickness of the sclera is minimal. Therefore, most often, with eye injuries, ruptures occur here.
The sclera has practically no nerve endings in its composition, as a result of which it is insensitive to exposure.
Purpose of the sclera
To ensure the operability of the eye apparatus, the fibrous membrane performs a number of important functions:
- Protective
Of all the functions performed by the sclera, the main one is considered to be protective. Its purpose is to protect all other membranes of the eye from mechanical influences (for example, blows) or unfavorable external factors. - Wireframe
The sclera is the support for all internal structures of the eye and its external components, which are located outside the ocular apparatus.Thanks to the sclera, a constant spherical shape of the eye is maintained, vessels, ligaments, nerves, as well as six external muscles are attached to it, which are responsible for the direction of the gaze and provide synchronous rotation of the two eyes in different directions.
- Optical
Since the sclera is an opaque tissue, its function is to protect the retina from excessive illumination, in particular from the appearance of so-called lateral flares and glare, which provides a person with good vision. - Stabilization
The sclera is directly involved in maintaining intraocular pressure. This ensures the normal functioning of all structures of the eye apparatus.
Under pressure, the collagen fibers, which are part of the sclera, are pulled. Gradually stretching and thinning from that, the sclera ceases to perform its functions efficiently.
On the inner side of the anterior edge, a circular groove runs along the sclera, at the bottom of which there is an oval-shaped vessel - Helmet Channel (Helmet)also called scleral venous sinus. This channel exists for the outflow of intraocular fluid and maintenance of its optimal circulation.
These are the structural features and main functions of the white membrane of the eye. In one of the following articles, we will talk about scleral diseases and their treatment.
Be healthy!
The human eye is a complex natural optical device through which 90 percent of the information for the brain arrives. The scleral membrane is a functional element.
The condition of the shell indicates eye diseases, other pathologies of the body. In order to recognize the disease in time, one should understand what the sclera are.
Shell structure
The sclera is the outer white membrane of dense connective tissue that protects and retains internal functional elements.
The white of the eye consists of bundled, randomly arranged collagen fibers. This explains the opacity, different density of the fabric. The thickness of the shell ranges from 0.3 to 1 mm; it is a fibrous tissue capsule of unequal thickness.
The white of the eye has a complex structure.
- The outer layer is a loose tissue with a branched vascular system, which is subdivided into deep and superficial vascular networks.
- Sclera proper, consists of collagen fibers and elastic tissues.
- The deep layer (brown plate) is located between the outer layer and the choroid. Consists of connective tissue and pigment cells - chromatophores.
The posterior part of the eye capsule looks like a thin plate with a lattice structure.
Functions of the scleral membrane
The fibers of the cover are arranged randomly, protecting the eye from the penetration of sunlight, which ensures effective vision.
The scleral region performs important physiological functions.
- The eye muscles are attached to the tissues of the capsule, which are responsible for the mobility of the eye.
- The ethmoid arteries of the posterior part penetrate through the sclera.
- A branch of the orbital nerve approaches the eyeball through the capsule.
- The capsule tissue serves as a shell.
- Through the proteinaceous body, the vortex veins leave the eye, which ensure the outflow of venous blood.
The tunica albuginea, due to its dense and elastic structure, protects the eyeball from mechanical injury, negative environmental factors. Protein serves as a scaffold for the muscular system, ligaments of the organ of vision.
What the sclera of a healthy person should look like
The scleral cover is normally white with a bluish tinge.
Due to its small thickness, a child has blue sclera, through which the pigment and vascular layer shine through.
A change in color (dullness, yellowness) indicates a disturbance in the body. The presence of yellowish patches on the surface of the protein indicates eye infections. A yellow tint can be a symptom of liver disorders, hepatitis. In infants, the cover is thinner and more elastic than in adults. Slightly blue sclera is the norm at this age. In elderly people, the cover thickens, becomes yellow due to the deposition of fat cells, loose.
Blue sclera syndrome in humans is caused genetically or by a violation of the formation of the eyeball in the prenatal period.
Changing the type of protein is a justifiable reason for a visit to the doctor. The condition of the cover affects the functioning of the visual system. Diseases of the sclera are classified as congenital and acquired.
Congenital pathologies
Melanosis (melanopathy) - a congenital disease, which is expressed by pigmentation of the integument with melanin. Changes appear in the first year of life. The child's proteins have a yellowish tint, pigmentation appears in the form of spots or stripes. The color of the spots can be gray or light purple. The cause of the anomaly is a violation of carbohydrate metabolism.
Blue sclera syndrome often accompanied by other defects of the eye, anomalies of the musculoskeletal system, hearing aids. The deviation is congenital. Blue sclera may indicate an iron deficiency in the blood.
Acquired diseases
Staphiloma - refers to acquired diseases. It is manifested by thinning of the shell, protrusion. It is a consequence of eye diseases associated with destructive processes.
Episcleritis is an inflammation of the surface of the lining, accompanied by nodular seals around the cornea. Often resolves without treatment, may recur.
Scleritis is an inflammatory process affecting the inner layers of the scleral body, accompanied by pain. A rupture of the eye capsule may form in the focus. The disease is accompanied by immunodeficiency, tissue edema.
Necrotizing scleritis - develops as a result of prolonged rheumatoid arthritis. It is manifested by thinning of the membrane, the formation of staphyloma.
Diseases of inflammatory origin can occur as a result of infections, disorders of the organs of the human body.
A timely visit to the doctor helps to timely identify scleral diseases, establish the cause and begin treatment.
Article author: Nina Gerasimova
