Ciliary Body: Anatomy, Function and Associated Eye Diseases

What Does the Ciliary Body Look Like?

The ciliary body looks like a ring-shaped structure with ridges that flare out, which are called the ciliary processes according to the Cleveland Clinic. The image below depicts the anatomy of the ciliary body in the eye which is shown to sit in the middle layer of the eye.

Where is the Ciliary Body Located in the Anatomy of the Eye?

The ciliary body is located in the uvea, behind the iris in the anatomy of the eye. The ciliary body location is positioned right behind the posterior surface of the iris in the eye, according to the National Library of Medicine.

What are the Parts of Ciliary Body?

The parts of the ciliary body include the pars plana and pars plicata. The parts of the ciliary body and their definitions are listed below.

• Pars Plana: The pars plana is the posterior section of the ciliary body. It is smooth, 4 mm wide and stretches from the ora serrata to the ciliary processes.
• Pars Plicata: The pars plicata is the anterior section of the ciliary body and is where you will find the ciliary processes.

How Does the Ciliary Body Affect Vision?

The ciliary body affects vision as one of its main functions is to control the eye’s focusing ability when looking at objects nearby. The ciliary body can increase the focusing power of the eye through the ciliary muscles, which work by contracting and making the lens more spherical.

What Happens When the Ciliary Body Contracts?

When the ciliary body contracts, the lens of the eye becomes more spherical and in turn, improves the focusing ability of the eye. According to the National Library of Medicine, when the ciliary body contracts through the ciliary muscles, there is less tension in the zonular fibres enabling the more spherical form of the lens. The zonular fibres are fine fibres that are attached to the anterior and posterior surfaces of the lens.

1. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to loss of vision when the optic nerve is damaged. Glaucoma may develop and affect the ciliary body as a result of increased eye pressure, trauma in the eye or due to eye diseases. Symptoms of glaucoma can include loss of peripheral vision, according to Better Health. Chronic angle-closure glaucoma may bring on symptoms such as halos around lights and possible vision problems. Acute-angle closure glaucoma can cause sudden and severe pain in the eye, headache, vomiting, nausea, halos around lights and blurry vision, according to Health Direct.

2. Uveitis

Uveitis refers to the inflammation of the eye’s middle layer, which includes the ciliary body, iris and choroid. Uveitis can present symptoms such as redness, eye pain, severe sensitivity to light, floaters and blurry vision. The main causes of uveitis may be from autoimmune diseases and infections. However, it may be too difficult for doctors to know the direct cause of uveitis, according to the National Eye Institute. The treatments for uveitis or eye inflammation can include eye drops, tablets, injections and treatment of underlying conditions.

3. Coloboma

Coloboma is an eye condition that is present at birth and is characterised by missing tissue in the eye. The different types of coloboma can involve different parts of the eye, which include the iris, uvea, lens, retina, macula and optic nerve. Coloboma may present symptoms such as light sensitivity, vision loss and low vision, according to Science Direct. Coloboma that affects the iris can cause the pupil to appear in the shape of a keyhole. There may not be any treatment that can replace the missing tissue, however, other aids may help assist with the patient’s vision. These aids can include prescription glasses, low-vision aids, an eye patch or eye drops.

4. Optic Nerve Atrophy

Optic nerve atrophy is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to loss of vision. Optic nerve atrophy may stem from causes such as poor blood flow, inflammation, infections and more. Optic nerve atrophy may lead to symptoms that affect vision such as blurry vision, issues with peripheral vision and colour vision. During an eye examination, an eye care professional will look out for a pale optic disc as it is a clinical sign of this condition, according to Vision Australia.

5. Intraocular Melanoma

Intraocular melanoma is a form of cancer that can occur when cancer cells form in the tissue of the eye. The causes of ocular melanoma are not definitively known, however, several risk factors may increase the risk of developing ocular melanoma, such as having a fair complexion, having light-coloured eyes, being of older age, abnormal growths or lesions on the eye, a family or personal history of melanoma and certain skin conditions. Symptoms of intraocular melanoma may include an iris that has a dark spot, a change in pupil shape, blurry or issues with vision, a flashing light sensation, a bulging eye, and differences in the position or movement of the eyeball in the eye socket.

What Eye Tests Do Optometrists Perform to Examine the Ciliary Body?

Optometrists can perform comprehensive eye tests which examine several regions of the eye. As part of a standard eye testing, the optometrist will look at the front of the eye, the lens, the back region of the eye and other regions of the eye including the ciliary body. However, the need for certain tests will depend on the condition of your vision.

How Important is a Regular Eye Exam for Assessing the Health of the Ciliary Body?

A regular eye exam is very important for assessing the health of the ciliary body and all other structures of the eye. Regular eye exams at least once every two years are recommended for those who do not have existing eye conditions and for those who use prescription glasses to update their prescription if necessary. For those who are 65 years or older, it is recommended to get an eye test once every year.

How Can Oscar Wylee Assist You With Taking Care of Your Ciliary Body?

Oscar Wylee can assist you with taking care of your ciliary body by providing comprehensive eye tests that can assess all parts of the eye. Our optometrists at Oscar Wylee are highly qualified and trained to examine the health of your eyes, assess vision, diagnose a range of conditions and prescribe certain forms of treatment. Our team is knowledgeable and passionate about eye care so you can count on us for top-of-the-line services.