Three integral parts that cover the ocular surface are the conjunctiva, limbus, and cornea. The conjunctiva is a see-through mucous membrane that lines the internal surface of the eyelids and the front surface of the eyeball, ending at the limbus. It is highly vascular with a dense lymphatic network. The limbus forms the boundary between the transparent cornea and the opaque sclera. The cornea is a complex structure that provides a protective function and is responsible for about 75% of the optical power of the eye. Histology of these highly specialized biological materials as well as the ways in which individual components are structurally and functionally related will be discussed in this chapter. Then, we will go over the pathological oncology processes that can affect the ocular surface.
Part of the book: Histopathology