The cornea is the clear "window" at the front of the eye. It is one of several structures which allow light to enter the eye and to be focused in a certain manner onto the retina. The way in which light rays enter the eye is controlled by both the shape and condition of the cornea. Disorders of the cornea may involve abnormal shape, swelling, scarring or injuries. Treatment for these disorders may involve a graft, or transplantation of new tissue to the cornea. In rare cases, the original cornea is completely replaced by a donor cornea. More information about grafts is available in the article about cornea transplant.
The cornea is also the structure of concern in refractive surgery. By changing the shape or structure of the cornea, refractive surgery enables light to be directed into the eye in a different manner, correcting errors in the way it converges upon the retina.
For more information about diseases and conditions which affect the cornea, please visit the corneal diseases library.
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