Cornea

Anatomy

The front transparent portion of the eye is called as the cornea. It is one of the most important parts of the eye, since it is the first surface of the eye through which light enters into the eye.

Look from the side at your friend's face, while he stands near a window. The transparent cornea can be clearly appreciated.

The cornea is made up of 5 layers.

	Upper layer of cells called epithelium
	Bowman's membrane
	Stroma
	Descement's membrane and
	Most important - the endothelial cell layer.

The junction of the cornea and the white portion of the eye, or sclera is called as the limbus.

Common corneal problems -

	Corneal infections
	Corneal degenerations like the aging changes
	Corneal dystrophies