The cornea of the eye is the outermost layer of the eye that protects the pupil, iris and anterior chamber. The main function of the cornea of the eye is to prevent foreign objects from entering the eye, as well as to refract light when it enters the eye.
Unlike other parts of the body, the cornea of the eye does not have blood vessels to transport nutrients. The cornea gets its nutrition from tears and aqueous humor (fluid that covers the cornea of the eye). In addition, the cornea of the eye is also composed of proteins and cells that are different from other tissues in our body.
Layers of the Cornea of the Eye
The cornea of the eye has five layers with different functions. The following is an explanation of the five layers in the cornea of the eye:
1. Epithelium
The epithelium is the outermost layer of the cornea of the eye. This layer has an important role for the cornea, namely as a protector, absorber of oxygen and transport nutrients to be distributed to all layers of the cornea.
2. Bowman's Layer
Bowman's layer lies behind the epithelial tissue. This layer is made up of strong and transparent collagen fibers. If this layer is injured, scar tissue can form which may interfere with vision, especially if it is in the middle.
3. Stroma
The stroma is the thickest layer and is located in the middle of the cornea, behind Bowman's layer. This layer is composed of water and collagen, so it is denser, but elastic. The shape and arrangement of the collagen protein in the stroma is important for maintaining the clarity of the cornea and its function in conducting light.
4. Membrane descemet
membrane descemet is a thin layer behind the stroma. Although thin, membrane descemet It is a tough layer that protects the cornea from injury and infection.
5. Endothelium
The endothelium is the last layer of the corneal structure of the eye. This layer maintains the clarity of the cornea by removing excess fluid from the stroma. If the function of the endothelium is disturbed, the stroma will be excess fluid so that vision becomes blurred.
There are several conditions that can interfere with the health of the cornea of the eye, including the use of contact lenses that are too long, exposure to allergens and air temperatures that are too dry.
In addition to these conditions, there are also several diseases that can cause damage to the cornea, such as eye herpes, herpes zoster, keratoconus, pterygium and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Maintaining the Health of the Cornea of the Eyes
In order to maintain the health of the cornea of the eye, you can do the following:
1. Adequate nutritional intake
Vitamins A, C, E, carotenoids, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are important nutrients needed by the eyes. Therefore, make sure the intake of various nutrients is sufficient, so that your cornea and eyes stay healthy.
You can fulfill all these nutrients by eating carrots, oranges, green vegetables, nuts, eggs, salmon, tuna, and sardines.
2. Wearing sunglasses
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light can also interfere with eye health. Therefore, when you are active outside during the day, you should use sunglasses that can prevent exposure to UVA and UVB rays to your eyes.
3. Avoid smoking
Smoking habits can also increase the risk of developing eye diseases, ranging from cataracts, macular degeneration, to optic nerve damage. Therefore, stop smoking and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke so that the health of your cornea and eyes is maintained.
4. Conduct regular eye examinations
Regular check-ups to the eye doctor need to be done at least every two years. This is intended so that your eye health is maintained. With regular eye exams, diseases of the cornea of the eye or other parts of the eye can be detected early.
The role of the cornea in protecting all parts of the eye cannot be underestimated. Therefore, you need to maintain the health of the cornea, so that the function of the eye as a sense of sight is not disturbed. Immediately consult your eye doctor if you experience conditions that can affect the cornea of the eye.
