Cornea Services

The cornea is the clear “window” on the front of your eye. It plays a role in vision. You can keep your corneas and vision in good health by protecting your eye during sports and work and getting regular eye exams.

What is the cornea?

The cornea is the clear window on the front of your eye. It’s made of tough, transparent tissue. Together with the sclera (white of your eye), the cornea helps protect your eye. It keeps out dirt, germs and other particles. The cornea also filters out some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light.

Function

How does the cornea help you see?

The cornea plays a key role in vision. Its main job is to help your eyes focus. The cornea has a slight curvature. As light enters your eye, the shape of the cornea refracts (bends) it. The curve helps your eye focus on objects that are close or far away.

Anatomy

What are the layers of the cornea?

The cornea has five layers:

• Epithelium: The epithelium is the outer layer of the cornea. It stops any material from entering the eye. It absorbs oxygen and nutrients from tears.
• Bowman’s layer: This thin layer connects the epithelium and the stroma, the next layer.
• Stroma: The thickest layer of the cornea is behind the epithelium. It’s made up of water and protein. The stroma is elastic (stretchy) but solid. The stroma gives the cornea its domed shape.
• Descemet’s membrane: This thin layer separates the stroma from the endothelium.
• Endothelium: This single layer of cells is between the stroma and the aqueous humor. The aqueous humor is the clear fluid in the front of your eye. The endothelium works as a pump that removes extra water that the stroma can’t absorb.

What are common corneal disorders?

Disease, infection or injury may damage your cornea. If that happens, scars or discoloration can form. This damage can block or distort light as it enters your eye. Your cornea can also become cloudy, and your vision may blur.

Most common corneal problems are as follows:

• Dry eye
• Corneal infections
• Corneal abrasions
• Keratoconus
• Pterygium
• Corneal dystropies
• Corneal degeneration

Various treatment modalities for cornea that is available:

• Medications
• Lasik
• Smile
• Femto lasik
• Contura vision
• Corneal transplantations-partial and full thickness
• C3r for keratoconus
• INTACS
• Pterygium surgery
• Specialised contact lens for keratoconus
• Amniotic membrane transplantation
• Corneal tear repair
• Scleral tear repair