Uveas refers to the plural form of the term "uvea," which is a part of the eye. The uvea is a collectively used term for the middle vascular layer of the eye that lies between the outer sclera and the inner retina. It is made up of three main components: the choroid, the ciliary body, and the iris.
The choroid is the posterior part of the uvea and is rich in blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the retina. Its dark pigment helps prevent reflection within the eye, enhancing visual acuity.
The ciliary body, located between the choroid and the iris, consists of ciliary muscles that control the shape of the lens during accommodation, and ciliary processes that produce the aqueous humor, maintaining the pressure of the eye.
The iris is the anterior part of the uvea and is the colored part of the eye. It contains muscles that regulate the size of the pupil, thus controlling how much light enters the eye.
Together, these three components play essential roles in supporting the overall structure and function of the eye. The uvea serves as a protective layer, provides nourishment to the surrounding tissues, and contributes to the regulation of intraocular pressure and visual performance. Any inflammation or dysfunction of the uvea, known as uveitis, can lead to various eye disorders and vision impairments.
