Anatomy of the Cornea

Cornea

Structure

• Transparent, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye
• Composed of five layers:
  1. Epithelium (outermost layer)
  2. Bowman's layer
  3. Stroma (thickest layer, made up of collagen fibrils)
  4. Descemet's membrane
  5. Endothelium (innermost layer)

Function

• Refracts light, accounting for about 70% of the eye's total power of refraction
• Protects the eye by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and protecting against external damage
• Maintains ocular health through the endothelium's pump function, which regulates fluid and maintains corneal transparency

Importance in Vision

• Plays a crucial role in focusing light, allowing for clear vision
• Any damage or disease affecting the cornea can lead to vision impairment or blindness

Clinical Relevance

• Corneal diseases or injuries can cause:
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
  • Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (degeneration of the endothelium)
  • Keratoconus (thinning and bulging of the cornea)
• Corneal transplants or surgical procedures can be performed to restore vision and alleviate symptoms

Cornea

Structure

• The cornea has five layers: epithelium, Bowman's layer, stroma, Descemet's membrane, and endothelium
• Stroma, the thickest layer, is composed of collagen fibrils
• Endothelium is the innermost layer, responsible for maintaining corneal transparency

Function

• The cornea refracts light, accounting for 70% of the eye's total power of refraction
• It absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light, protecting the eye from external damage
• The endothelium regulates fluid and maintains corneal transparency through its pump function

Importance in Vision

• The cornea plays a crucial role in focusing light, enabling clear vision
• Damage or disease affecting the cornea can lead to vision impairment or blindness

Clinical Relevance

• Corneal diseases or injuries can cause corneal ulcers, keratitis, Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, and keratoconus
• Corneal transplants or surgical procedures can restore vision and alleviate symptoms

Learn about the structure and function of the cornea, the transparent dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye.