The cornea, apart from being one of the main components of the eye, is sensitive and prone to complications. Maintaining a good eye health goes a long way in keeping the cornea healthy and lowering the risks of corneal diseases.
These 8 interesting facts about cornea and corneal disease can help you take better care of your eyes:
1. Where is the cornea located in the eye?
The cornea is located in the outermost dome-shaped layer of the eyes. Cornea covers the front part of the eyes and plays a crucial role in focus of the vision.
2. The cornea is a highly organised tissue:
The cornea may seem a clear covering but the tissue is much more than that as it is made up of three multiple layers, including Epithelium, Bowman’s Layer, Stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and Endothelium.
3. Tears are important to the cornea:
The cornea is different from most of the other tissues in the body; it doesn’t contain any blood vessel which can nourish it. Instead, it’s the aqueous humor and tears that nourish the cornea.
Every time we blink, the tears get distributed across the cornea to keep the eyes moist, protect against infection, and help heal wounds.
4. Importance of cornea:
One of the main purposes of the cornea is to focus light on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The cornea refracts the incoming light onto the lens which, in turn, refocuses to the retina. Apart from redirecting light, the cornea protects the lens and the retina from the harmful ultraviolet rays present in sunlight. The cornea also provides an overall protection to the eyes by acting as a barrier against germs, dirt, and other particles.
5. The cornea can heal itself:
The cornea can heal in its own from minor scratches and injuries. However, serious injuries can cause scarring in the cornea which, in turn, can lead to vision impairment. Some of the common implications of serious injuries in the cornea include:
- Reduced vision
- Blurred vision
- Pain in the eye
- Headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Inflammation in the eye
- Redness in the eye
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can consult with our eye specialists in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospital. To book an appointment, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.
6. Different types of corneal diseases:
There are various disorders that affect the cornea. Some of the common ones include Keratitis, Corneal Ulcer, Keratoconus, Bullous Keratopathy, Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy, Recurrent Corneal Erosion, Corneal Perforation, Corneal Neovascularisation, Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome, and Corneal Dystrophy.
7. Common causes of corneal disorders:
There are several causes of corneal disorders. The common ones include infections, trauma, allergies, thinning (Ectasia), nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders. Damages to the cornea can also be caused by common eye conditions such as glaucoma, eyelid disorders, and dry eye (tear film abnormalities).
8. Complications of corneal disorders:
Corneal disorders, if not treated, can worsen and lead to complications such as eye pain and vision loss. If you have a corneal disorder, it is crucial to review the treatment options with an eye specialist.
Taking good care of your eyes doesn’t have to cost a lot
At Disha Eye Hospital, some of the best eye specialists in Kolkata, come together and strive to improve eye health of people from all walks of life. Learn more about the eye care services we offer at http://www.dishaeye.org/.