Which layer of the eye lies under the sclera and contains a nonreflective pigment to prevent light reflection?

• A. Retina
• B. Choroid
• C. Iris
• D. Lens

Answer: (B)

Under the white outer coating of the eye, the sclera, lies the choroid. This middle, vascular layer is rich in pigmented cells that produce a dark, nonreflective surface. That pigment soaks up stray light that isn’t heading directly to the retina, preventing internal reflections and glare that could blur vision. The choroid also supplies blood to the outer retina, supporting its function.

The retina itself is the inner light-detecting layer that actually processes visual information, so it sits just inside the choroid rather than beneath the sclera. The iris is the colored front part surrounding the pupil, part of the anterior uveal tract, and the lens is a clear structure located further inside behind the iris; neither lies beneath the sclera.