Conjunctiva

The conjunctiva is a part of the eye. It is a clear and moist membrane that forms a coat over the inner eyelids along with the surface of the eye. It consists of the bulbar conjunctiva, palpebral conjunctiva, and the fornix conjunctiva. The conjunctiva functions by keeping the eye moisturized and lubricated so that there is no irritation or friction. It does this by producing mucus and tears. It protects the eyes from infectious organisms, dust, and debris. The conjunctiva is made up of non-keratinized cells and is filled with numerous small blood vessels. These blood vessels receive blood supply from the ophthalmic artery and external carotid artery. The conjunctiva contains numerous arterioles, venules, and capillaries and certain medical conditions like diabetes changes the capillaries leading to poor vision. The conjunctiva is prone to conditions like conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and herpes simplex conjunctivitis. These conditions are infectious and are caused due to bacterial and viral infections. The conjunctiva is also prone to scarring, distortion, degeneration, tumors, hemorrhage, and vascular disorders. People with diabetes more prone to infectious of the conjunctiva as there is an increase in the flora (bacterial presence) of the eye due to excess glucose in the mucus membranes, tears, and skin. Also, diabetes leads to an increase in the average diameter of blood vessel of bulbar conjunctiva along with loss of capillaries. Diabetes causes blood vessel tortuosity, and macrovessel dilation.