Anatomy of the eyeball

The eyeball is a highly specialized sensory organ responsible for the perception of light and the formation of visual images. Its complex anatomical organization enables the conversion of external light stimuli into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve. A comprehensive understanding of the anatomy of the eyeball is essential for medical students and healthcare professionals because structural abnormalities of the eye are associated with several ophthalmological and systemic disorders. The aim of this review is to describe the gross anatomy, microscopic structure, anatomical relationships, blood supply, nerve supply, and clinical significance of the human eyeball. A narrative literature review was conducted using standard anatomical and ophthalmological textbooks, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and established medical references. The anatomical findings were organized according to the three principal coats of the eyeball: the fibrous coat, vascular coat (uvea), and nervous coat (retina). The sclera maintains structural integrity, while the choroid provides vascular support to the outer retina. The anatomical organization of the anterior and posterior chambers, vitreous body, and optic nerve is also essential for normal visual function. A thorough understanding of these structures provides the anatomical foundation for diagnosing and managing conditions such as glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment, and optic neuropathy.