The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped structure that covers the front part of the eye. It is the outermost layer of the eye's focusing system, and its clarity and curvature play a crucial role in determining the quality of the images that we see. The cornea is composed of five layers, each with a specific function. The outermost layer, the epithelium, acts as a protective barrier against injury and infection. The second layer, the Bowman's layer, provides structural support to the cornea. The third layer, the stroma, is the thickest layer and contains collagen fibers that give the cornea its transparency. The fourth layer, Descemet's membrane, acts as a barrier against fluid from inside the eye. The fifth and innermost layer, the endothelium, pumps fluid out of the cornea to keep it clear.
Because the cornea is the first structure that lights encounters as it enters the eye, it plays a crucial role in focusing the incoming light onto the retina at the back of the eye. This process, known as refraction, is responsible for about two-thirds of the eye's total focusing power. In addition to its optical properties, the cornea also plays an important role in protecting the eye from injury and infection, by acting as a physical barrier and producing antimicrobial substances.
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