Understand corneal function and threatening diseases

Most probably know the cornea is one part of the eye, but only that. Maybe not many people know what the cornea is, its function for the eyes, and what diseases can threaten if your health is not considered. Come on, see the full explanation below.

What is the cornea of ​​the eye?

Cornea of ​​the Eye - Source: American Academy of Opthtalmology

The cornea is the outer protective layer of the eye. The cornea prevents dirt and foreign objects, and filters UV rays that enter the eye. This is an important part of the eye because it determines how well the eye focuses on an object.

The cornea contains a variety of tissues. Unlike other parts of the body, this part of the eye has no blood vessels. So, in exchange, the cornea gets its "nourishment" from the tears.

Know the parts of the cornea of ​​the eye

The cornea is a very complex network. In the cornea, there are no blood vessels, so corneal nutrition is obtained from tears and aqueous humor . The cornea has three layers, namely:

Corneal lining - Source: Allaboutvision.com

• Epithelium (ephitelium)
  Epithelium is the outer layer of the cornea. Its function is to prevent the entry of foreign objects, and absorb oxygen and nutrients from the tears.
• Stroma
  The stroma is the layer that lies after the epithelium. The stroma is the thickest middle layer and is composed of water and protein so that it is solid and elastic.
• Endothelium (endothelium)
  The endothelium is located directly behind the stroma. This layer serves to pump excess fluid in the stroma. Endothelial dysfunction can cause the stroma to fill with fluid, causing blurred vision.

Symptoms that appear when the cornea of ​​the eye becomes infected

A small cut or infection of the cornea usually heals on its own. However, there are several symptoms that appear if there is a corneal disorder:

• The eye hurts
• Blurry view
• Watery eyes
• Reddish eyes
• High sensitivity to light

These symptoms are signs of a more dangerous condition. So you should immediately visit a doctor if you experience these signs.

What health conditions can attack the cornea?

If the cornea is not properly maintained, disease can invade and interfere with its function. There are several health problems that can attack the cornea of ​​the eye, namely:

1. Keratitis

Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. However, sometimes keratitis can also occur in the absence of infection. Inflammation can also occur due to injury to the eye, or the use of contaminated contact lenses.

If left untreated, keratitis has the potential to cause much more serious complications in the eye, from the appearance of open sores (ulcers) on the cornea, blurred vision, and even blindness.

2. Ocular herpes

Ocular herpes is a persistent viral infection, usually caused by the Herpes Simplex I (HSV I) virus. A common sign is injury to the cornea of ​​the eye.

Apart from corneal sores, the herpes simplex virus can also cause the following symptoms:

• Sore eyes
• Red eyes
• Swollen eyes
• The eye is more sensitive to light
• The eyes water more easily
• Blurred vision

Usually, only one part of the eye will be infected with the herpes virus. However, it is possible that both of your eyes can be affected by this disease.

Unfortunately, if the body has been exposed to the herpes virus, the virus cannot be completely eliminated from your body. Treatment will only help prevent its development and put the virus "dormant" for a while.

Doctors generally will prescribe antiviral drugs to reduce viral activity in the body. If the corneal condition is severe enough, your doctor may recommend surgery.

3. Shingles

Herpes virus Varicella zoster it can also infect your corneas. When the eye is infected with the virus, you may experience symptoms such as sores on the eyelids, itching and burning in the eyes, rash around the eyes, and blurred vision.

4. Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a change in the shape of the cornea. This condition is characterized by the thinning of the cornea, which then protrudes into a cone shape.

Changes in the structure of the cornea make it difficult to focus light on the eye. As a result, your vision can be impaired.

The cause of keratoconus is not certain. However, 1 in 10 people with keratoconus are born to parents with the same condition. This condition is also often associated with eye allergies and the habit of rubbing your eyes too hard.

Usually, keratoconus is characterized by symptoms such as blurred vision, more sensitive eyes to light, and swelling and redness of the eye.

To treat mild keratoconus, your vision can be helped by wearing glasses. However, if this condition is severe enough, the doctor may need to perform surgery to correct the shape of your cornea.

5. Corneal dystrophy

According to the website of the Royal National Institute of Blind People, corneal dystrophy is a genetic condition that causes changes in the cornea in the absence of inflammation, infection, or other eye diseases.

Some of the signs and symptoms of corneal dystrophy are eye pain, sensitivity to light, dry eyes, and decreased ability to see.

Corneal dystrophy consists of about 20 types, depending on which layer of the cornea is affected. The treatment given may vary and be adjusted to what type of dystrophy is being experienced.

How to keep your cornea healthy

In order to avoid the above diseases, here are some tips that you can follow to maintain eye health, including the cornea:

• Eat foods that are healthy for the eyes, such as green vegetables, carrots, fruits, nuts, and intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Don't force yourself to work in front of the gadget screen for too long. Rest your eyes every few minutes.
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke as they can increase the risk of dry eyes.
• Routine exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week.
• Wear sunglasses that can protect your eyes from UV rays when you are out in the sun.