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The Cornea is the eye’s outermost layer. It is the clear, dome­shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It plays an important role in focusing your vision. The Cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. The cornea, with the anterior chamber and lens, refracts light, with the cornea accounting for approximately two-thirds of the eye's total optical power. In humans, the refractive power of the cornea is approximately 43 dioptres. The cornea can be reshaped by surgical procedures such as LASIK.
While the cornea contributes most of the eye's focusing power, its focus is fixed. The curvature of the lens, on the other hand, can be adjusted to "tune" the focus depending upon the object's distance.

Parts of the cornea

The tissues of the cornea are arranged in three basic layers, with two thinner layers, or membranes, between them. Each of these five layers has an important function. These layers are:

  • Epithelium

  • Bowman’s membrane

  • Stroma

  • Descemet's Membrane

  • Endothelium

What are some common conditions that affect the cornea?

  • Injuries

  • Allergies

  • Keratitis

  • Dry eye

What other diseases can affect the cornea?

  • Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

  • Ocular Herpes

  • Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE)

  • Pterygium

  • Stevens­Johnson Syndrome

What treatments are there for advanced corneal disease?

  • Laser Surgery

  • Corneal Transplant Surgery

  • Keratitis

  • Keratoplasty

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