10 interesting facts about the Cornea
- The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye, covering the iris and pupil. The cornea is so transparent that it’s almost invisible.
- The cornea provides about 2/3 of the eye’s total optical power. A healthy cornea is essential for good vision, as even a small amount of damage to the cornea can significantly affect vision.
- The cornea is avascular, meaning it contains no blood vessels. The cornea can be thought of as more resistant to infections than other parts of the eye because it has no blood vessels.
- The cornea is made up of 5 distinct layers, including the epithelium, Bowman’s layer, the stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and the endothelium.
- The cornea has a high number of nerve endings, making it one of the most sensitive tissues in the body.
- The cornea is an important part of the eye’s immune defence system.
- The cornea can be transplanted from one person to another without extensive use of immunosuppressive drugs.
- The cornea has the ability to regenerate itself, but the process can be slow. The cornea is often used for research on wound healing and regenerative medicine.
- Contact lenses can be made from materials that mimic the structure and function of the cornea.
- The cornea helps to reduce glare and protects the eye from harmful UV rays. A damaged cornea can cause significant vision loss, and corneal transplant surgery may be needed to restore vision.
