How Do Normal Eyes Look?
Normal eyes exhibit several key characteristics. The sclera, the white part of the eye, appears white and not inflamed or red. The conjunctiva, the membrane covering the sclera, is also clear and not red. The cornea, the clear front part of the eye, is bright and transparent. A clear cornea allows for a clearly visible, black and round pupil. The visibility of the pupil and iris confirms corneal clarity. Note that some variation in appearance is normal and certain conditions, such as newborn jaundice (resulting in yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), are common and usually temporary.
- White sclera: The white part of the eye is not red or inflamed.
- Clear cornea: The transparent layer covering the iris and pupil is bright and clear.
- Black and round pupil: The central opening of the iris appears dark and circular.
- Visible pupil and iris: Clear visibility of these structures indicates a healthy cornea.
While the presence of floaters (small spots or specks that drift across your vision) is considered relatively common and often harmless, they are not a defining feature of normal eyes, and their appearance should be discussed with an eye care professional.
The aging process can also cause some changes to the eye, but these usually don't affect vision significantly. Any concerns about changes in eye appearance or vision should always be addressed with an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
