What is the outermost layer of the eye called?

The outermost layer of the eye is the sclera. This tough, protective layer provides structure and integrity to the eye. It is composed of dense connective tissue and serves as the attachment point for the eye's muscles, allowing for movement. The sclera also helps maintain the shape of the eyeball. In contrast, the cornea, while also part of the eye, is the clear front surface that covers the iris and pupil and is responsible for much of the eye's light refraction. The iris, which is the colored part of the eye, controls the diameter of the pupil and, consequently, the amount of light entering the eye. The retina, on the other hand, is a layer at the back of the eye that contains light-sensitive photoreceptor cells and is responsible for converting light into neural signals for vision. Thus, the sclera is the correct answer as it is indeed the outermost layer surrounding the eye.