Anatomy
The Cornea: Anatomy, Function, and Common Conditions
The cornea is the transparent dome at the front of the eye responsible for approximately two-thirds of the eye's total focusing power. It has five distinct layers, each with unique functions. The cornea has no blood vessels — it receives oxygen directly from the air and tears.
Anatomy Overview
The Cornea: Anatomy, Function, and Common Conditions
Structure & Components
Corneal abrasion: intense pain, photophobia, tearing after scratch
Keratoconus: progressive irregular astigmatism and distorted vision
Corneal ulcer: white spot, pain, discharge — urgent treatment needed
Fuchs dystrophy: morning haze clearing through the day, eventual cloudiness
Band keratopathy: calcium deposits causing glare and irritation
Corneal oedema: swelling causing cloudy vision, halos around lights
Functions & Physiology
Epithelium (outermost layer): heals rapidly but is easily scratched
Bowman layer: tough, acellular; cannot regenerate if damaged
Stroma: 90% of corneal thickness, composed of regular collagen lamellae
Descemet membrane: thick basement membrane resistant to infection
Endothelium: single-cell pump layer that keeps cornea dehydrated and clear
Cornea derives oxygen from air (not blood) — contact lens hypoxia is a real risk
Key Points
Corneal abrasion: antibiotic drops, bandage contact lens, heal in 24-72 hours
Corneal ulcer: urgent antibiotic/antifungal/antiviral drops, culture first
Keratoconus: rigid lenses, cross-linking, transplant in severe cases
Fuchs dystrophy: hypertonic saline drops, eventual endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)
LASIK/PRK reshapes the corneal stroma permanently
Corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty or lamellar techniques)
Collagen cross-linking for ectasia prevention and treatment
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