La uvea is the middle layer of the eye where the irisplatforms, ciliary body and the choroid, also known as the posterior uvea.
The choroid is one of the most important parts of the eye and also one of the least known, it is a membrane irrigated by many capillaries and connective tissue responsible for supplying nutrients to the different parts of the eye.
The posterior uvea is responsible for oxygenating the retina and absorb the light that enters the eye, without it the eye would not be able to see clearly.
Join us at Área Oftalmológica Avanzada to discover the composition and function of an ocular structure as interesting as the choroid.
What is the choroid of the eye?
The choroid is a membrane that is part of the uvea with the characteristic of being one of the parts with the largest number of blood vessels in the human body.
It is located between the sclera and the retina. Anteriorly is the ciliary body and posteriorly, the optic nerve.
The choroid contains melanin, a substance responsible for its pigment and for making it possible for the membrane to perform one of its most important functions: absorb light to prevent its reflection and reflection. blurred vision.
Parts that form the posterior uvea
The posterior uvea is composed of the following parts:
- Supracoroids: It is a collagen sheet that serves to separate the capillaries from the sclera.
- Vascular layer: occupies most of the choroid and contains the blood vessels.
- ChoriocapillaryIt is made up of capillary venules and arterioles.
What is the function of the choroid?
The choroid is more important, to have a correct vision, than many people imagine.
Through its vascularization, this membrane serves to nourish and oxygenate the retina so that it remains functioning properly.
In addition, the posterior uvea absorbs the light that enters the eye in order to avoid its reflection and to be able to see clear images. The function of the choroid is possible thanks to its vascular property and its melanin composition.
Pathologies that affect the choroid
The choroid is part of the uvea and may be affected by a type of uveitis known by the name of choroiditis. The choroiditis It must be treated in time to prevent it from affecting the retina and causing what is known in ophthalmology as chorioretinitis.
Many times choroiditis is caused by autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections or inflammatory processes, but its exact cause is unknown.
La uveitis of the choroid can affect one or both eyes at the same time and the symptoms appear early, when the inflammation of the membrane is beginning. The most common symptoms are the appearance of hover flies, blurred vision and eye pain.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We have the best human and technological team to care for and treat eye health. If you have any questions about the function of the choroid or need to have a ophthalmologic review, contact us and make your appointment as soon as possible.
