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Research

Pigmented Epithelium

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Last updated: Jul 2nd, 2025
Pigmented Epithelium
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The pigmented epithelium of the eye gives the interior surfaces of the eye a dark coloration, so as to help reduce reflections that would confuse the photosensitive retinal cells. This pigmented epithelium includes the retinal pigment epithelium and iris pigment epithelium. The former lies on the interior of the choroid. They contain numerous pigment-producing hormone cells that give the choroid a brownish-black appearance. The dark pigments of these cells absorb excess light and help keep the inside of the eye dark.