The thin moist protective membrane over the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids is called the conjunctiva. It is a clear, transparent tissue that covers the front surface of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. The conjunctiva helps to protect the eye from foreign particles, lubricates the surface of the eye, and prevents it from drying out. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed or infected, a condition called conjunctivitis or "pink eye" can occur.
