scleraal

Scleraal is an adjective used in some medical and Dutch-language contexts to describe relations to the sclera, the tough, protective outer layer of the eyeball commonly referred to in English as the sclera. In Dutch ophthalmology and anatomy texts, scleraal functions as the equivalent of the English term scleral and is applied to describe tissues, conditions, or features pertaining to the sclera.

Etymology and usage notes: The base term sclera derives from Latin sclera, itself from Greek sklera meaning “hard shell.” The Dutch form scleraal follows standard Dutch adjectival construction, adding the -aal suffix to indicate a relation to the sclera. In English, the corresponding term is scleral; in Dutch, scleraal appears primarily in medical writing and translations.

Anatomy and function: The sclera is the thick, opaque outer coat of the eye, contributing to its shape and protecting intraocular structures. It is composed mainly of dense connective tissue rich in collagen fibers, with regional variations in thickness. The sclera merges with the cornea at the limbus and provides attachment sites for extraocular muscles.

Clinical relevance and examples: In Dutch-language sources, scleraal descriptions refer to features or conditions of the sclera, such as scleraal thickness, scleraal coloration, or scleraal pathology. English-language equivalents use “scleral” in phrases like scleral thinning or scleral inflammation. Proper usage depends on the language context, with scleral serving as the standard English adjective.

See also: sclera, episclera, scleral lens, scleral thickness, scleritis.

Note: Scleraal is mainly a Dutch-language term; English authors would typically use scleral.