Cornea

The cornea is the transparent, curved front surface of the eye. It protects the eye and refracts incoming light, providing much of its focusing power.

Corneal epithelium: The outermost layer of the cornea, formed by renewing cells that create a protective barrier. It shields the cornea from microbes and minor damage while helping keep its surface smooth.
LASIK: A refractive surgery that reshapes corneal tissue with a laser to correct vision. LASIK changes corneal curvature to alter how light is focused.
Crystalline lens: The transparent, flexible structure behind the iris that changes shape to focus images. Unlike the cornea, it adjusts its curvature to focus at different distances.
Keratoconus: A corneal disorder in which the cornea progressively thins and bulges into a cone-like shape. Its distorted curvature causes irregular astigmatism and can impair vision.
Anterior chamber: The fluid-filled space between the cornea and iris. It is the chamber immediately behind the cornea, separating it from the iris.
Corneal stroma: The thick middle layer of the cornea, composed mainly of regularly arranged collagen fibers. Its orderly collagen structure gives the cornea strength without scattering much light.
Photorefractive keratectomy: A laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors by reshaping the corneal surface. It reshapes the cornea without creating the flap used in LASIK.
Sclera: The tough, opaque outer coat that forms most of the eyeball's surface. The sclera protects and supports the eye, while the cornea remains transparent for light entry.
Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy: A progressive disease in which corneal endothelial cells deteriorate and fluid accumulates in the cornea. It demonstrates how failure of the innermost corneal layer can cloud vision.
Iris: The colored ring of muscle that regulates pupil size. Light passing through the cornea next reaches the pupil within the iris.

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