sclera
White of the Eye
Plain-language definition
The tough, white outer coat of the eyeball that provides structural support and protection, continuous with the cornea at the front.
Where this term comes up
“Scleral buckle surgery is a long-established technique for repairing retinal detachment.”
Treatment · Scleral Buckle Surgery
“An open globe injury is a full-thickness wound of the eye wall (cornea or sclera), meaning the integrity of the eye has been breached.”
Condition · Open Globe Injury
“"Fire flare" hemorrhages -- icteric sclera with overlying subconjunctival hemorrhage -- were a presenting sign”
Publication · Malaria Retinopathy and Cerebellitis in a 9-Year-Old Boy in the United States
- Category
- Anatomy
- Also written as
- scleral
Anatomy terms name the eye, orbit, optic nerve, retina, or visual pathway structures that may appear in an exam note or imaging report.
Related glossary terms
- cornea
Clear Front Window
- conjunctiva
Eye Surface Membrane
- hemorrhage
Bleeding
- vitreous
Eye's Internal Gel
- autoimmune
Self-Attacking Immune Response
- bilaterally
On Both Sides
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.