The cornea is the eye’s outermost layer. It is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye and it helps direct light rays towards the lens for focusing. Unlike most tissues in the body, the cornea contains no blood vessels to nourish or protect it against infection. The cornea must remain transparent to see well, and the presence of even the tiniest abnormal blood vessels can affect vision.

Due to the cornea’s anatomical position, it is prone to many types of injuries. From superficial scrapes to embedded foreign bodies. Without proper eye protection and safety, the cornea may be the victim of various types of eye injuries. Many minor scrapes or scratches may be treated with topical antibiotic drops or ointment. Sometimes, placing a pressure patch or bandage contact lens over an injured cornea is required for proper healing.

Learn about Dry Eye and other Corneal Diseases