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What is an Uvea?

Published in Eye Anatomy 2 mins read

The uvea is the middle layer of the eye, situated beneath the sclera (the white part of the eye).

Layers of the Eye: Understanding the Uvea's Location

The eye has three main layers:

  • Outer Layer: This includes the sclera and cornea.
  • Middle Layer (Uvea): This is our focus and consists of three parts.
  • Inner Layer: This is the retina.

Components of the Uvea

The uvea is comprised of three key structures:

Component Description
Iris The colored part of your eye, responsible for controlling the amount of light entering the eye through the pupil.
Ciliary Body A ring of muscle that controls the lens's shape, allowing us to focus at different distances.
Choroid A layer of blood vessels located between the sclera and retina, providing nourishment to the eye.

Function of the Uvea

The uvea's primary role involves:

  • Providing Blood Supply: The choroid layer's rich network of blood vessels nourishes the retina and other parts of the eye.
  • Controlling Light Entry: The iris regulates the amount of light entering the eye through the pupil.
  • Focusing: The ciliary body helps the eye focus by changing the shape of the lens.

Summary

In summary, the uvea is a critical middle layer of the eye, essential for its function. It's made of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid, each playing a vital role in sight. According to our reference, this middle layer is positioned beneath the white part of the eye, known as the sclera.