sclerotiska
Sclerotica refers to the white, opaque, fibrous, protective outer layer of the eye. It is composed of dense connective tissue and is continuous with the cornea at the front of the eye. The primary function of the sclerotica is to maintain the shape of the eyeball and protect its internal structures. It is also the attachment point for the extrinsic muscles that control eye movement. The sclerotica is relatively avascular, meaning it has few blood vessels, which contributes to its white appearance. In infants, the sclerotica can appear bluish due to its thinness, allowing the underlying choroidal vessels to be visible. In some rare genetic conditions, the sclerotica can be abnormally thin and fragile, leading to a blue sclera. The term "sclerotic" can also be used as an adjective to describe hardening or thickening of tissue, particularly in a medical context. For instance, "arteriosclerosis" refers to the hardening of arteries. However, when referring to the eye, "sclerotica" specifically denotes the outer white layer. Inflammation of the sclerotica is known as scleritis and can cause pain, redness, and blurred vision.