Although the eye is commonly referred to as the globe, it is not really a true sphere. It is composed of two spheres with different radii, one set into the other (Fig 1). The front, or anterior, sphere is the smaller and more curved of the two and is called the cornea. The cornea is the window of the eye since it is a completely transparent structure. The posterior sphere is a white opaque fibrous structure called the sclera. The cornea and the sclera encase the eye and form a protective shell for all the delicate tissues within.

The eye measures approximately 24mm in all its main diameters in the normal adult.

(Fig 1)              

For a detailed look at the anatomy of the eye follow the arrows at the bottom of each page or select from list below...