What does sclera mean?
The sclera is the tough, opaque white outer covering of the eyeball. Its visible front portion forms the familiar “white of the eye,” while it continues around the globe beneath the cornea and the eye muscles. Anatomically, the sclera is a dense fibrous layer that protects the eye and helps maintain its shape. The term is chiefly used in anatomy, ophthalmology, and clinical description, where precision matters; in ordinary conversation, “white of the eye” is more natural. Related forms such as scleral are used especially for devices or procedures involving this layer, such as scleral contact lenses and scleral buckles. In a healthy eye the sclera appears white, but its color can change with illness or environmental exposure. Learning “sclera” therefore gives a precise name to a familiar feature and helps distinguish it from the transparent cornea at the front of the eye.
nounThe tough, opaque white fibrous layer covering the eyeball. Its visible portion is commonly called the white of the eye.
- The opaque white fibrous outer covering of the eyeball, of which the visible portion is commonly called the white of the eye.
"The physician examined the sclera for signs of jaundice."
"Her sclera had a slight yellow tinge, suggesting jaundice."
"The surgeon fitted a scleral contact lens to protect the injured cornea."
The standard anatomical plural of sclera is sclerae.
"The doctor inspected both sclerae under bright light."
The sclera is the eye's tough white coat: it protects the globe and helps keep its shape.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sclera come from?
The word comes from Latin sclera, a borrowing of Greek sklēra, the feminine form of sklēros, meaning “hard.” The Greek term referred to the hard outer covering of the eye and was later applied more broadly to hard or hardened tissues. Related English words include sclerotic, sclerosis, scleritis, and scleroderma, all sharing this Greek root.
Related word forms
How sclera is actually used
This is primarily an anatomical and clinical term. In general conversation, “white of the eye” is more familiar and natural.
Easily confused with sclera
The sclera is the white protective covering of the eyeball, whereas the cornea is the transparent dome at the front through which light enters.