• The eye is beautiful.eye image by Pali A from Fotolia.com
  
  The superficial features of the eye are those being on the surface of the ocular area. The pupil, iris and sclera make up the most visible parts of the eye. The pupil is the black center of the eye, while the iris is the colored part of the eye surrounding the pupil. The sclera is the white part that makes up the rest of the eye we see each day.
  
  

Eyelid

• The eyelid is the thin layer of tissue that covers and protects the globe of the eye. The eyelid blinks, voluntarily and involuntarily, to protect the eye from dirt and debris. A row of eyelashes connects to the ends of the eyelid to give additional protection. The blinking function serves to keep tears on the surface of the eye and maintain its moisture. The lower eyelid includes lower lashes and forms a connection between the eye and dense cheek tissue.
  
  

Cornea

• The cornea is a clear lens on the surface of the eye and covers the pupil and iris. The cornea is the first layer of the optical system. The cornea refracts light and is responsible for the focusing of the eyesight. The cornea has no blood vessels and remains transparent to refract the light correctly. Although thin, the cornea is made up of five layers.
  
  

Sclera

• The sclera is what gives the eye its white color surrounding the iris. The sclera is the protective, fibrous outer layer of the eyeball. The sclera is a continuous portion of the eye from the cornea around the eyeball to the optic nerve. The sclera is also connected to the muscles at the back of the eye that provide movement.