What is the cornea?
The cornea is the transparent membrane that covers the front of the eye, in front of the pupil and iris. The thickness of the cornea is approximately 0.5 mm and is composed of the following 5 layers:
- Epithelium
- Bowman’s membrane
- Stroma
- Descemet’s membrane
- Endothelium
The cornea is always kept moist by a thin layer of tears, known as the tear film, which adheres to its surface.
Function of the cornea
The main function of the cornea is to protect the inner part of the eye from injury and pathogens. In addition, this membrane also has the function of allowing light to pass through to the internal structures of the eye.
Pathologies that can affect the cornea
There are different pathologies that can affect the cornea and that have their origin in a genetic component and by a family association. Thus, if family members are affected by this pathology, an eye examination is recommended for early diagnosis.
The main corneal lesions and pathologies are:
- Guttate cornea
- Corneal dystrophy
- Corneal ulcer
- Keratoconus
- Corneal abrasion that can cause loss of corneal transparency.
Treatments for corneal pathologies
It is possible to intervene to plan the most appropriate treatment for pathologies affecting the cornea. When acted upon in advance, medical therapy can be performed to avoid corneal transplantation.
Otherwise, the best therapy is corneal transplantation, which allows, thanks to the replacement of the diseased cornea, to recover sight.
If this treatment does not work either, an artificial cornea can be used by means of the Boston keratoprosthesis.
Specialist who treats corneal pathologies
The specialist in charge of treating corneal pathologies is the ophthalmologist.