What it means
A moist membrane that protects the front of the eye. It has many small blood vessels, so it turns red when irritated or infected; inflammation of it is conjunctivitis (pink eye). The color of the lower lid's lining can also show paleness from anemia.
For the nurse
Look at the conjunctiva during the eye exam for redness, drainage or paleness. Teach clients with conjunctivitis to wash hands and not share towels.
At a glance
| Spanish | conjuntiva |
|---|
Related terms
iris
The colored ring of muscle in the eye that controls the size of the pupil.