What Is The Cornea? Everything You Need To Know

The cornea is the clear window of the eye. It is a dome-shaped clear surface that covers the front part of the eye. The cornea is a vastly structured group of collagen layers and cells and has no blood vessels to sustain and defend it against infection. Tears instead, nourish and protect the cornea.

There are 5 basic layers to the cornea, from the outside in, epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma, Descemet’s membrane and endothelium. The cornea has two main functions. As with a camera, the cornea acts as the eye’s outer lens. It regulates and focuses the entrance of light into the eye and contributes between 65-75% of the eyes focusing ability. The second function is to act as a barrier from dust, germs and other debris getting into the eye, it works with the eyelids and tears to do this.