The part which covers the inside of the eyelid is known as the ‘palpebral conjunctiva’. This part disperses the tear fluid over the cornea and simultaneously clears the cornea of any debris. The connective tissue which covers the front part of the eyeball is known as the bulbar conjunctiva. The transition from the ‘palpebral conjunctiva’ to the ‘bulbar conjunctiva’ is located deep within the eyelids and designated the fornix conjunctiva. The structure of the conjunctiva means the back of the eyeball does not come into contact with open air. This is why, for example, a contact lens can’t slide behind the eyeball.
Several glands, each of which has a specific function, can be found in the conjunctiva. Goblet cells or mucous-producing epithelial cells are responsible for producing mucous for the tear film. Furthermore, the Krause’s and Wolfring’s glands are essential for creating the watery layer that is part of the tear film. The conjunctiva also contains immune cells that protect the eye from various pathogens.
