What tissue primarily covers the outer surface of the eye?

The outer surface of the eye is primarily covered by epithelial tissue, specifically a specialized type known as conjunctival epithelium. This tissue serves several critical functions, including protecting the eye from environmental hazards, facilitating the function of the tear film, and assisting in the overall maintenance of ocular health. Epithelial tissue is characterized by tightly packed cells that form protective barriers and are crucial in ensuring the integrity of surfaces exposed to potential damage.

While other types of tissues, like connective, nervous, and muscle tissue, have significant roles within the eye, they do not primarily cover the outer surface. Connective tissue supports and connects different structures within the eye, nervous tissue is involved in transmitting signals related to vision, and muscle tissue is involved in movements like eye rotation, but none of these tissues serve as the primary protective covering.