01/08/2018
Eye Anatomy: An Easy Guide To Your Eye
26 August 2015
Your Eye's Surface

1. Eyelid
What is it?
Your eyelid is a thin fold of skin, lined with a row of eyelashes. Each eye has an upper and lower eyelid, and they can be opened and closed by special muscles.

What does it do?
The eyelids are vital to keeping your eyes healthy. By completely covering the front of your eye, they are able to block debris or impurities that may otherwise cause damage or infection.
Just as importantly, your eyelids help to prevent the surface of your eyes from drying out. They do this by regularly spreading tears when blinking, keeping the cornea moist.
2. Sclera
What is it?
You might better know the sclera by its more common name - the “white of the eye”. As its nickname suggests, this is the white part of your eye that surrounds the iris.

What does it do?
The sclera helps to support and protect the structure of your eye. It's made up of tough tissue, which ensures your eyeball keeps its shape.
Thanks to the sclera’s hardiness, the eyeball is less susceptible to injury than if it were surrounded by a softer tissue. It also provides support to the inside of your eye, by providing a surface for some of the ocular muscles to attach to.
3. Tear Duct
What is it?
The nasolacrimal duct is known to you and me as the tear duct. It’s the area found in the corner of your eyes, closest to the nose.

What does it do?
Your tear ducts carry excess tears away from the surface of your eyes. These tears are carried through to an area inside your nose called the nasolacrimal duct.
This explains why when you’re crying or suffering from watery eyes due to an allergy, you can sometimes taste the salt from your tears in your mouth. It’s also the reason why you might find your nose goes runny from crying.
4. Lacrimal Gland
What is it?
The lacrimal glands are shaped a bit like an almonds, found in the upper part of your eye sockets. You’ve got two lacrimal glands, one located just above e
