Understanding the Function and Parts of the Cornea of the Eye
The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye in the form of a dome-shaped clear membrane, which covers the front of the eye. The role of the cornea is very important for vision. Each part of the cornea has its own function, but supports each other.
Unlike the other body tissues, the cornea does not have blood vessels. The function of the blood vessels in the cornea is replaced by tears and aqueous humor (slimy clear fluid in the eye). The cornea is a sensitive or stimulating tissue, because it includes the body parts that are passed through the most nerve tissue.
Know the Corneal Function and Its Various Parts
The main function of the cornea is refracting (bending) and focusing the light entering the eye . In the process of seeing, the incoming light needs to be refracted by the cornea to the eyepiece, then forwarded to the retina.
On the retina, light is converted into electrical impulses to be transmitted to the brain, then translated into images. If the eye is likened to a camera, the cornea is part of the camera lens.
The cornea also has other functions, namely protecting the eyes from foreign particles (germs or dirt) and exposure to ultraviolet light that can harm the eyes.
To perform various functions, the cornea has five parts, namely:
1. Epithelial tissue
Epithelial tissue is the outermost layer of the cornea which functions to protect the eye from foreign particles, such as dust, water, or bacteria. The sclera or the white part of the eye helps this function. Epithelial tissue is also a soft textured surface, similar to gelatin, which can absorb oxygen and nutrients from tears for the cornea.
In this network, there are thousands of nerve endings. Therefore, you can feel pain if your eyes are scratched or rubbed too hard. These nerve endings also help with corneal reflexes, better known as blink reflexes, when the eye is exposed to a foreign object.
2. Bowman Layer
After epithelial tissue, there is a transparent membrane made of collagen. This membrane is called the Bowman layer and functions to maintain the shape of the cornea.
This layer has no regenerative ability (self renewal), so that injury to this area will cause permanent scars or scar tissue. If the scar is large enough, your vision may be disrupted.
3. Stroma
Stroma is the thickest layer of the cornea which is directly behind the Bowman layer. This layer is composed of water and collagen and is an area of refraction of light on the cornea. Therefore, it is important to keep the stroma transparent and translucent.
In addition, the stroma also functions to maintain the shape of the cornea to remain elastic, dense, and strong.
4 . Descemet Membrane
The descemet membrane is the thinnest and strongest tissue on the cornea. This membrane is made of collagen and serves as a place to rest on endothelial cells while protecting these cells from infection and injury.
descemet membranes have good self-recovery abilities, making it easy recover after injury.
5. Endothelial layer
The endothelial layer is a single and thin layer located in the deepest part of the cornea and in direct contact with the aqueous humor. This layer serves to keep the cornea clear and regulate the water content in the eye, by absorbing water from the stroma.
The cornea is a very important part of the eye. Therefore, corneal health needs to be maintained properly, so that there is no visual impairment due to corneal disease.
When eye complaints arise, such as the eyes continue to runny, reddish, too sensitive to light, and cloudy vision or run away, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist so that it can be handled appropriately.
Label : Health
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