What is the Difference Between Choroid and Sclera?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The choroid and sclera are two main layers of the eye that play crucial roles in its function. The key differences between them include:

  • Location: The choroid is the middle layer of the eye, situated between the sclera and the retina. The sclera, on the other hand, is the outermost layer that covers the eye.
  • Function: The choroid provides oxygen and nutrients to the retina, making it a crucial part of the eye's vascular system. The sclera plays a protective role, providing structure and safety to the eye.
  • Composition: The choroid contains connective tissue and is highly vascularized, containing blood vessels that supply nutrients to the eye. The sclera is composed of dense connective tissue made up of collagen and elastic fibers.
  • Blood Vessels: The choroid has blood vessels that supply nutrients to the eye. The sclerotic layer, or sclera, is devoid of blood vessels.

In summary, the choroid is a vascular layer located between the sclera and the retina, providing oxygen and nutrients to the retina, while the sclera is the outermost layer of the eye that offers protection and structure.

Comparative Table: Choroid vs Sclera

The choroid and sclera are two main layers of the eye that serve different functions. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Feature Choroid Sclera
Location Middle layer of the eye, situated between the sclera and the retina Outermost layer of the eye, covering the eyeball
Function Provides oxygen and nutrients to the outer retina, contains blood vessels Protects the inner structures of the eye, provides shape and strength to the eyeball
Vascularity Highly vascularized, contains blood vessels Less vascular, dense connective tissue made up of collagen and elastic fibers
Thickness 200 µm-thick vascular layer 4-5 mm-thick protective layer
Composition Composed of the choriocapillaris, Sattler's layer, Haller's layer, suprachoroid, and lamina fusca Composed of dense connective tissue, mainly collagen and elastic fibers

Both the choroid and sclera are essential for eye function and vision. The choroid is responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the outer retina, while the sclera protects the inner structures of the eye and provides shape and strength to the eyeball.