The cornea is the first line of defense against injury to the eye. The dome-shaped, clear tissue of the cornea covers the iris, the colored part of the eye, and the pupil, the hole that adjusts to let light into the eye. Diseases that damage the...
The cornea makes up the front window of the eye, and helps focus light for good, clear vision. The cornea also has the responsibility of protecting the eye from outside particles. All five layers of the cornea receive nutrients from the tear film...
Routine eye exams help doctors monitor eye conditions, and when the doctor feels a surgical procedure may improve health or vision in the eye, he will discuss these options with the patient. In some instances, the patient does not have to make an...
Fuchs' corneal dystrophy occurs when the innermost layer of cells in the cornea fails for no obvious reason. This layer of cells is responsible for removing the water out of the cornea; when there is excess water in the cornea, the cornea swells...
Corneal lacerations are a type of eye injury that occur when your cornea becomes scratched. Although it’s possible to receive a corneal laceration while swimming, most cases occur as a result of contact with dry foreign objects such as...
Your eye is a wondrous -- but delicate -- organ made of many parts that are critical to preserving vision. Bumps on the ocular surface can distort visual images and interfere with your ability to focus clearly. Some eye bumps cause pain and...
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, results from the reactivation of the chicken pox virus. The condition attacks nerves, usually on one side of the body, and may move into the eye. If someone with shingles does not seek treatment, he may have...
Your eyes are an essential component of your senses and play an important role in your daily life. Although regular optometrist visits and proper maintenance are paramount in preserving your vision, acquiring certain nutrients may also be...
Allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander and certain food products can cause allergy symptoms to develop in your chest, nose or eyes, or on your skin. If you develop eye allergy symptoms, your doctor may recommend the use of over-the-counter or...
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree, scientifically known as the Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia. Some people use tea tree oil on their skin as a method of treating bacterial and fungal infections, or they add the...
The shape of the eye determines how well the eye sees. Light shines through the cornea, the front part of the eye and, ideally, should land on the retina. This gives perfect vision without the need for an eye glass prescription. If the eye or...
Eye lesions may gradually increase in size, though it may take the lesions a number of years before they reach a noticeable size. Most lesions cause surface irritation, resulting in constant redness and discomfort. People with such symptoms should...
If you've noticed a bump on your eye, take a moment to think about when it first appeared. Your eye doctor will need to know how long you've had the bump, what kinds of daily activities you perform, and whether you did anything out of the ordinary...
Ocular herpes is a viral infection that stems from the same virus that causes cold sores. This condition typically occurs in only one eye and involves the cornea, the clear outer covering of the front of your eye. Symptoms may include redness,...
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs predominantly in young women. SLE causes inflammation and damage in different areas of the body and is a disease of flare-ups and remissions. Treatment typically involves...
The eye is comprised of a complex system of layers that work together for producing vision. The National Eye Institute explains that the cornea is the outermost layer of the eye, which serves to protect the rest of the eye from external irritants...
The cornea is made of multiple layers of cells. These layers must remain clear for optimal vision; if any becomes cloudy for any reason--disease, trauma or infection--vision becomes blurry. Corneal transplantation is an option if the problems with...