The cornea is the clear lens at the front of the eye through which we see the iris – the coloured part of the eye – and the pupil. Along with the white of the eye (the sclera) the cornea forms the structural outer wall of the eye. It is a complex tissue which acts as the main refracting surface of the eye. The main body is called the stroma which is typically between 5.0 and 5.5mm thick in the centre and has cells on both its inner and outer surfaces called the endothelium and the epithelium.
The cornea can be affected by a myriad of problems ranging from dry eye issues through to genetic disorders. Anything that affects the integrity of the tear film or interferes with the clarity of the cornea can impact on the quality of our eyesight.
Common problems that we deal with which affect the cornea include;
- Dry eyes
- Keratoconus – conical cornea
- Corneal infections
- Contact lens related problems
- Corneal dystrophies
- Bullous keratopathy
- Corneal injuries