{"id":1813,"date":"2026-10-20T08:52:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/eye-glossary\/cornea\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T12:56:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T12:56:35","slug":"cornea","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/cornea\/","title":{"rendered":"Cornea"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) Start -->\n<section class=\"page-hero\" id=\"top\">\n\t<div class=\"phero-inner pad with-media container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-left col-12 col-lg-7\">\n\t\t\t<div data-hero-in><ol class=\"crumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/\">Home<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-health\/\">Knowledge centre<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/\">Eye glossary A\u2013Z<\/a><\/li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Cornea<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\t\t\t<h1 class=\"t64 hero-title phero-title\" data-lines>Cornea: What It Is, Its Layers, Function and Diseases<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 phero-lead\" data-hero-in>The clear window at the front of the eye: what it is made of, what it does, which conditions affect it, how it is examined and how it is treated.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"phero-meta\" data-hero-in><li><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg>Medically reviewed by <span class=\"ph\">{{surgeon}}<\/span>, <span class=\"ph\">{{surgeon&#8217;s title and specialty}}<\/span>, on <span class=\"ph\">{{review date}}<\/span><\/li><li><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg>Last updated <span class=\"ph\">{{date}}<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"phero-right has-media col-12 col-lg-5\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"phero-media\" data-hero-in><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Close-up of a blue eye\" fetchpriority=\"high\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/blue-eye-close-up-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"inshort\" data-hero-in><p><strong>Cornea<\/strong> <em>(noun, plural corneas)<\/em>: the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of the eye, covering the coloured iris and the pupil. It protects the inside of the eye and does most of the eye&#8217;s focusing, bending incoming light so that it can be focused onto the retina. The cornea has no blood vessels, which keeps it transparent, and it is one of the most sensitive tissues in the body.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Hero (Photo + summary card) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Cards (Feature cards: tinted) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"facts\">\n\t<div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Cornea of the eye: key facts<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"stats row row-cols-2 row-cols-lg-4\" data-stagger aria-label=\"Key facts\"><li class=\"col\"><div class=\"stat\"><span class=\"stat-num\">540<small>\u00b5m<\/small><\/span><span class=\"t22\">average thickness in the centre, just over half a millimetre<\/span><\/div><\/li><li class=\"col\"><div class=\"stat\"><span class=\"stat-num\">\u2154<\/span><span class=\"t22\">of the eye&#039;s total focusing power of about 60 dioptres<\/span><\/div><\/li><li class=\"col\"><div class=\"stat\"><span class=\"stat-num\">5 + 1<\/span><span class=\"t22\">classic layers, plus a thin pre-Descemet&#039;s layer described in 2013<\/span><\/div><\/li><li class=\"col\"><div class=\"stat\"><span class=\"stat-num\">300\u2013600<small>\u00d7<\/small><\/span><span class=\"t22\">more pain-sensing nerve endings than skin<\/span><\/div><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mt-v3 features tint row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-3\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-pin\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Where it is<\/h3><p>The front surface of the eye, in front of the iris and pupil; it joins the white of the eye (the sclera) at a ring called the limbus.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Blood supply<\/h3><p>None. Nutrients and oxygen come from the tears on the outside and the fluid inside the eye (aqueous humour).<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><a class=\"feat h-100\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/doctors\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer\/\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-user\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Specialist<\/h3><p>Cornea specialist (ophthalmologist); at Laser Istanbul Clinic, Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer.<\/p><span class=\"feat-go\">His profile <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Cards (Feature cards: tinted) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark\" id=\"layers\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Cornea structure: the layers of the cornea<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>The cornea looks like a simple clear dome, but its structure is precise: each layer has its own job, and how well a layer heals decides what happens after an injury or disease. From front to back:<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Layer<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What it is<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What it does<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Can it heal?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Epithelium<\/th><td data-label=\"What it is\">The outer skin of the cornea, about 5 layers of cells thick<\/td><td data-label=\"What it does\">Keeps out dust, germs and fluid; absorbs oxygen and nutrients from the tears<\/td><td data-label=\"Can it heal?\">Yes, quickly. A small scratch usually heals in 1\u20132 days, and after PRK laser surgery the surface grows back in 3\u20134 days<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Bowman&#8217;s layer<\/th><td data-label=\"What it is\">A thin, tough sheet of collagen without cells<\/td><td data-label=\"What it does\">Supports the epithelium and helps hold the corneal shape<\/td><td data-label=\"Can it heal?\">Poorly. Injury here can leave a permanent scar<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Stroma<\/th><td data-label=\"What it is\">About 90% of the cornea&#8217;s thickness: water and collagen fibres arranged in very regular layers, each running in a different direction<\/td><td data-label=\"What it does\">Gives the cornea its strength, shape and focusing power; the regular arrangement keeps it clear<\/td><td data-label=\"Can it heal?\">Heals with scar tissue, which can blur vision; this is the layer laser eye surgery reshapes<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Pre-Descemet&#8217;s (Dua&#8217;s) layer<\/th><td data-label=\"What it is\">A very thin (about 10 micrometres), strong, cell-free layer of collagen, first described in 2013<\/td><td data-label=\"What it does\">Adds strength to the back of the cornea<\/td><td data-label=\"Can it heal?\">Relevant to surgery: it helps surgeons separate the layers during partial-thickness transplants<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Descemet&#8217;s membrane<\/th><td data-label=\"What it is\">The thin base membrane made by the endothelium; it thickens from about 5 micrometres at birth to about 17 in older adults<\/td><td data-label=\"What it does\">Anchors the endothelium<\/td><td data-label=\"Can it heal?\">Repairs itself relatively easily<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Endothelium<\/th><td data-label=\"What it is\">A single layer of cells on the inner surface<\/td><td data-label=\"What it does\">Pumps fluid out of the cornea so it stays thin and clear<\/td><td data-label=\"Can it heal?\">Not appreciably. Lost cells are not replaced, so damage here can cause lasting swelling and blur<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div class=\"mt-v2\"><blockquote class=\"quote\" data-reveal><p class=\"t32\">Problems in the front layers (epithelium, Bowman&#8217;s layer, front stroma) are often treated with drops, lenses or surface laser. Problems in the back layers, especially the endothelium, cause the cornea to swell and usually need a partial transplant that replaces only the inner layers.<\/p><cite>Why the layers matter<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/div>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a dark panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"function\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Cornea function: what does the cornea do?<\/h2><p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>The cornea of the eye has four main functions.<\/p><div class=\"features two row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-eye\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>1. Focusing light<\/h3><p>The cornea is the eye&#8217;s strongest lens. It provides about two-thirds of the eye&#8217;s focusing power; the natural lens behind the pupil adds the rest and fine-tunes focus for near and far. Because the cornea does so much of the focusing, even small changes in its curve change your prescription. That is why laser eye surgery works: by reshaping the stroma with a laser, LASIK, SMILE and PRK change the cornea&#8217;s focusing power to correct short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-shield\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>2. Protection<\/h3><p>Together with the eyelids and tears, the cornea forms a barrier against dust, germs and injury, and it helps protect the inner eye from ultraviolet light.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-sun\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>3. Staying transparent<\/h3><p>The cornea is clear because it has no blood vessels, its collagen fibres are arranged in an exact pattern, and the endothelium constantly pumps water out. If any of these fail, for example through scarring or a swollen cornea from endothelial loss, vision blurs.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-wave\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>4. Sensing and triggering protection<\/h3><p>The cornea&#8217;s dense nerve supply, from the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, detects the slightest touch or drying and triggers blinking and tears. These nerves also release substances that keep the surface healthy. This is why corneal injuries are so painful, and why laser surgery that cuts corneal nerves can cause temporary dry eye.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"mt-v2\"><blockquote class=\"quote\" data-reveal><p class=\"t32\">Is the cornea a lens? Yes, in an optical sense: the cornea is the eye&#8217;s fixed outer lens, and it supplies most of the focusing power. It is not the same as &#8220;the lens&#8221; of the eye, which is a separate, flexible structure behind the iris. Cataract and lens-replacement surgery treat the natural lens; laser eye surgery and corneal treatments work on the cornea.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"disease\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"590\" height=\"880\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/keratoconus-corneal-treatment.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Close-up of a cornea during corneal treatment\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/keratoconus-corneal-treatment.webp 590w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/keratoconus-corneal-treatment-201x300.webp 201w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"eyebrow\" data-reveal>Cornea disease<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Keratoconus<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose\" data-reveal><p>In keratoconus, the cornea gradually thins and bulges forward into a cone shape, causing blurred and distorted vision that glasses correct less and less well. It usually begins in the late teens or early twenties and can worsen over 10\u201320 years. Risk factors include a family history (about 1 in 10 people with keratoconus have a relative with it), frequent eye rubbing, eye allergies and some connective-tissue disorders. Young people whose glasses prescription keeps changing should ask to be checked for it.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-reveal><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/keratoconus-treatment-turkey\/\">Keratoconus treatment in Turkey <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Image left, text right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Other common conditions that affect the cornea<\/h2><div class=\"features row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-3\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-warn\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Corneal ulcer and keratitis<\/h3><p>Keratitis means inflammation of the cornea; a corneal ulcer is an open sore on it. Most ulcers are caused by infection, by bacteria, viruses such as herpes simplex, fungi or the Acanthamoeba parasite, but injuries, burns, severe dry eye and eyelids that do not close properly can also cause them. Contact lens wear, especially sleeping in lenses, is a major risk factor. A corneal ulcer is an emergency: untreated, it can permanently damage vision and even cause blindness.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-layers\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Corneal dystrophies<\/h3><p>Dystrophies are usually inherited conditions in which material builds up or cells fail in one layer of the cornea, often in both eyes. One of the best known is <strong>Fuchs&#8217; endothelial dystrophy<\/strong>: the endothelial cells gradually fail, the cornea swells, and vision is typically blurry in the morning (the cornea swells overnight with the eyelids closed), with glare and halos around lights. It rarely shows before the age of 30\u201340 and was the single most common reason for corneal transplantation in the United States in 2014. Other dystrophies, such as map-dot-fingerprint and lattice dystrophy, affect other layers; those in the front layers can often be treated with laser (PTK).<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-cross\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Corneal scarring<\/h3><p>Scars form when an infection, injury, surgery or inflammation damages Bowman&#8217;s layer or the stroma. A scar in the centre blurs vision or causes glare; one at the edge may cause no symptoms. How a scar is treated depends on its depth.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-hand\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Corneal abrasion and recurrent erosion<\/h3><p>A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface, often from a fingernail, make-up brush, branch or eye rubbing. It hurts, waters and feels as if something is stuck in the eye, but most heal in 1\u20132 days, larger ones in about a week. Sometimes the surface layer does not stick down properly afterwards and keeps peeling off again (recurrent corneal erosion), typically causing sudden pain on waking.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-drop\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Other conditions<\/h3><p>Dry eye disease, allergic eye disease, shingles affecting the eye (varicella-zoster) and pterygium (a growth from the white of the eye onto the cornea, more common in sunny climates) can also damage the cornea.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"symptoms\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Cornea damage symptoms: signs of a damaged cornea<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>Because the cornea is packed with nerves and must stay perfectly clear, damage usually announces itself. The most common damaged cornea symptoms are:<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Symptom<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What it can point to<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Pain, or a feeling that something is in the eye<\/th><td data-label=\"What it can point to\">Abrasion, foreign body, ulcer, recurrent erosion<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Redness, watering and sensitivity to light<\/th><td data-label=\"What it can point to\">Keratitis or ulcer, abrasion, inflammation<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Discharge or a white spot on the cornea<\/th><td data-label=\"What it can point to\"><strong>Corneal ulcer: urgent<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Blurred or hazy vision<\/th><td data-label=\"What it can point to\">Swelling, scarring, infection, dry eye<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Distorted vision, frequent prescription changes, rising astigmatism<\/th><td data-label=\"What it can point to\">Keratoconus<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Vision worse in the morning, improving through the day<\/th><td data-label=\"What it can point to\">Fuchs&#8217; dystrophy (corneal swelling)<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Glare and halos around lights<\/th><td data-label=\"What it can point to\">Swelling, scarring, keratoconus, after laser surgery<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Sudden pain on waking<\/th><td data-label=\"What it can point to\">Recurrent corneal erosion<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p class=\"t22 sec-intro mt-v16\" data-reveal>Some corneal diseases, especially early keratoconus and dystrophies, cause few symptoms at first and are found on a routine examination or before laser eye surgery.<\/p>\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Table (Table on a tinted panel) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Text left, image right) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad split-sec\" id=\"exam\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"split rev\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"split-media col-12 col-lg-6\" data-reveal><div class=\"media\" data-parallax><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map-819x1024.webp\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Corneal topography map\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map-819x1024.webp 819w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map-240x300.webp 240w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map-768x960.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/corneal-topography-map.webp 1200w\" \/><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"split-copy col-12 col-lg-6\">\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"eyebrow\" data-reveal>Examination<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>How is the cornea examined?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22 lede\" data-reveal>An eye specialist uses several tests, most of them quick and painless:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"check-list\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"t22\"><strong>Slit-lamp examination.<\/strong> A microscope with a bright, thin beam of light shows each layer of the cornea in cross-section: scratches, ulcers, scars, deposits and early signs of keratoconus or Fuchs&#8217; dystrophy.<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"t22\"><strong>Corneal topography and tomography.<\/strong> These scans map the curvature of the front surface (topography) and, with Scheimpflug imaging, the front and back surfaces and thickness (tomography). They are the key tests for diagnosing keratoconus early and for checking whether laser eye surgery is safe.<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"t22\"><strong>Pachymetry.<\/strong> This measures corneal thickness. A thin or thinning cornea can point to keratoconus, and thickness decides how much tissue laser surgery can safely remove. A thick, swollen cornea can point to endothelial failure.<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-check\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"t22\"><strong>Optical coherence tomography (OCT).<\/strong> OCT scanning gives a detailed cross-section image of the eye&#8217;s structures.<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div data-reveal><p class=\"t22\">At Laser Istanbul Clinic, corneal topography, OCT and biometry are part of every pre-operative examination in Istanbul, and your surgeon reviews your existing scans before you book. <a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/corneal-topography\/\">About corneal topography <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/p><\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Text left, image right) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"panel dark\" id=\"treatment\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Cornea damage treatment: how corneal conditions are treated<\/h2><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Treatment<\/th><th scope=\"col\">What it does<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Typically used for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\">Medicated eye drops<\/th><td data-label=\"What it does\">Antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral drops treat infection; lubricants and, once infection is controlled, steroid drops calm the surface<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Ulcers and keratitis, abrasions, dry eye<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Bandage or special contact lenses<\/th><td data-label=\"What it does\">Protect a healing surface, or give a smooth new optical surface over an irregular cornea (rigid gas-permeable and scleral lenses)<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Abrasions and recurrent erosion; keratoconus<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Corneal cross-linking (CXL)<\/th><td data-label=\"What it does\">Riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops plus ultraviolet light strengthen and stiffen the corneal tissue; FDA-approved in 2016 and the main treatment that can stop keratoconus getting worse<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Progressive keratoconus<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Corneal ring segments (e.g. Intacs)<\/th><td data-label=\"What it does\">Small curved implants placed in the cornea to flatten the cone<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Moderate keratoconus<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK)<\/th><td data-label=\"What it does\">An excimer laser removes a thin, precise layer from the front of the cornea<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Superficial scars, front-layer dystrophies, recurrent erosion<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Laser reshaping (LASIK, SMILE, PRK)<\/th><td data-label=\"What it does\">Reshapes the stroma to change the cornea&#8217;s focusing power<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Short-sightedness, long-sightedness and astigmatism in healthy corneas only<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\">Corneal transplant (keratoplasty)<\/th><td data-label=\"What it does\">Replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Advanced keratoconus, deep scars, endothelial failure, severe infection<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><h3 class=\"t32 mt-v4 mb-v14\" data-reveal>Corneal transplant: PK, DALK, DSAEK and DMEK<\/h3><p class=\"t22 sec-lead\" data-reveal>A corneal transplant uses tissue from a deceased donor, checked to make sure it is healthy before use. Surgeons now replace only the layers that are damaged whenever they can:<\/p><div class=\"tbl-wrap\" data-reveal><table class=\"tbl rsp\"><thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Type<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Layers replaced<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Typically used for<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Recovery (NHS guidance)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>PK<\/strong> (penetrating keratoplasty)<\/th><td data-label=\"Layers replaced\">Full thickness, held with stitches<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Damage through all layers<\/td><td data-label=\"Recovery (NHS guidance)\">Up to 2 years<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>DALK<\/strong> (deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty)<\/th><td data-label=\"Layers replaced\">Front and middle layers; your own endothelium is kept<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Keratoconus and scars when the endothelium is healthy<\/td><td data-label=\"Recovery (NHS guidance)\">Up to 18 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>DSAEK<\/strong> (Descemet&#8217;s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty)<\/th><td data-label=\"Layers replaced\">Endothelium, Descemet&#8217;s membrane and a thin layer of back stroma<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Fuchs&#8217; dystrophy, corneal swelling<\/td><td data-label=\"Recovery (NHS guidance)\">Up to 6 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\"><strong>DMEK<\/strong> (Descemet&#8217;s membrane endothelial keratoplasty)<\/th><td data-label=\"Layers replaced\">Only Descemet&#8217;s membrane and endothelium, held in place by an air or gas bubble<\/td><td data-label=\"Typically used for\">Fuchs&#8217; dystrophy, corneal swelling<\/td><td data-label=\"Recovery (NHS guidance)\">Up to 6 months<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><div class=\"intro-grid row mt-v3\"><div class=\"intro-side col-12\"><p class=\"eyebrow\" data-reveal>Good to know<\/p><\/div><div class=\"copy prose col-12\"><p data-reveal>DMEK uses the thinnest graft and a smaller incision than DSAEK (about 2.8 mm versus 5 mm). In one comparison, average corrected vision a year after surgery was 20\/24 with DMEK and 20\/32 with DSAEK, and DMEK has a lower rejection rate. The pre-Descemet&#8217;s layer is what makes the &#8220;big bubble&#8221; technique used in many DALK operations possible.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal>Rejection can happen at any time after a transplant and can usually be treated with steroid drops if it is caught quickly. Warning signs include a red eye, pain, sensitivity to light and blurred vision.<\/p>\n<p data-reveal><strong>Can laser eye surgery be done on any cornea?<\/strong> No. The cornea has to be healthy and thick enough. The American Academy of Ophthalmology lists corneas that are too thin, corneal scars or disease, keratoconus and severe dry eye among the reasons a person is not a candidate for LASIK. This is why topography and pachymetry are always measured first.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- Image + Text (Photo band with overlay card) Start -->\n<section class=\"interior band\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n\t\t<div class=\"interior-media\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1131\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-clinic-interior-istanbul.webp\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Calm eye clinic interior in Istanbul\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-clinic-interior-istanbul.webp 2000w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-clinic-interior-istanbul-300x170.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-clinic-interior-istanbul-1024x579.webp 1024w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-clinic-interior-istanbul-768x434.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/eye-clinic-interior-istanbul-1536x869.webp 1536w\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"interior-card\" data-reveal>\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\">Treatment with us<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\">Cornea and keratoconus care, cross-linking and corneal transplants (DMEK, DSAEK, DALK and full-thickness grafts) are led by Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer, whose published research includes corneal cross-linking for keratoconus in young people.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-actions\"><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/corneal-transplant-turkey\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Corneal transplant (DMEK \/ DSAEK \/ PK)<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/doctors\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Do\u00e7. Dr. \u00d6zer, profile and treatments<\/span><\/a><\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Image + Text (Photo band with overlay card) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad\" id=\"doctor\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>When to see a doctor about your cornea<\/h2><div class=\"features two row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat is-warn h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-warn\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Seek same-day care from an eye doctor or eye emergency service if you have<\/h3><ul class=\"prose\" data-stagger>\n<li>a painful red eye with sensitivity to light, especially if you wear contact lenses (take your lenses out and don&#8217;t put them back in)<\/li>\n<li>discharge, or a white or grey spot on the cornea<\/li>\n<li>a chemical splash, or an injury from something sharp or fast-moving<\/li>\n<li>a sudden drop in vision<\/li>\n<li>after a corneal transplant: redness, pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision, which can be signs of rejection<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"col\"><div class=\"feat h-100\"><span class=\"feat-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-calendar\"\/><\/svg><\/span><h3>Book a routine appointment if you notice<\/h3><ul class=\"prose\" data-stagger>\n<li>vision that keeps getting more blurred or distorted, or a prescription (especially astigmatism) that changes year after year, particularly in teenagers and young adults<\/li>\n<li>blurred vision every morning that improves later in the day<\/li>\n<li>repeated episodes of sudden pain on waking<\/li>\n<li>glare and halos around lights that are getting worse<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><p class=\"t22 sec-intro mt-v2\" data-reveal>If you already have a diagnosis, such as keratoconus or Fuchs&#8217; dystrophy, and want a second opinion on cross-linking or a transplant, you can send your scans for review before you travel.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- Flexible Section Start -->\n<section class=\"panel\" id=\"related\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><h2 class=\"t48 sec-title\" data-reveal>Related terms<\/h2><div class=\"pgrid row row-cols-1 row-cols-md-2 row-cols-lg-3\" data-stagger><div class=\"col\"><article class=\"pcard h-100\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/sclera\/\">Sclera<\/a><\/h3><p>The white, outer wall of the eye, which the cornea joins at the limbus.<\/p><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/sclera\/\">Glossary: Sclera <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/article><\/div><div class=\"col\"><article class=\"pcard h-100\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/conjunctiva\/\">Conjunctiva<\/a><\/h3><p>The thin, clear membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.<\/p><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/conjunctiva\/\">Glossary: Conjunctiva <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/article><\/div><div class=\"col\"><article class=\"pcard h-100\"><h3><a href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/corneal-topography\/\">Corneal topography<\/a><\/h3><p>A map of the cornea&#8217;s curvature.<\/p><a class=\"link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-tests-diagnostics\/corneal-topography\/\">Read about the test <svg width=\"18\" height=\"18\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-arrow\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/article><\/div><div class=\"col\"><article class=\"pcard h-100\"><h3>Limbus<\/h3><p>The ring where the cornea meets the sclera.<\/p><\/article><\/div><div class=\"col\"><article class=\"pcard h-100\"><h3>Keratoconus<\/h3><p>Thinning and cone-shaped bulging of the cornea.<\/p><\/article><\/div><div class=\"col\"><article class=\"pcard h-100\"><h3>Keratitis<\/h3><p>Inflammation of the cornea, often from infection.<\/p><\/article><\/div><div class=\"col\"><article class=\"pcard h-100\"><h3>Keratoplasty<\/h3><p>The medical name for a corneal transplant.<\/p><\/article><\/div><div class=\"col\"><article class=\"pcard h-100\"><h3>Endothelium<\/h3><p>The single inner cell layer that keeps the cornea clear.<\/p><\/article><\/div><div class=\"col\"><article class=\"pcard h-100\"><h3>Pachymetry<\/h3><p>Measurement of corneal thickness.<\/p><\/article><\/div><\/div><div class=\"center-cta\" data-reveal><a class=\"pill pill-blue\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/eye-glossary\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Eye glossary A\u2013Z<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- Flexible Section End -->\n\n\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) Start -->\n<section class=\"faq pad\" id=\"faq\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><div class=\"faq-grid\">\n\t<div class=\"faq-side\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t48\" data-reveal>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"acc\" data-stagger>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item is-open\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a1\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q1\">What is the cornea in the eye?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q1\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. It covers the iris and pupil, protects the eye and provides about two-thirds of its focusing power.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a2\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q2\">What are the 5 layers of the cornea?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q2\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">From front to back: the epithelium, Bowman&#8217;s layer, the stroma, Descemet&#8217;s membrane and the endothelium. A sixth, very thin pre-Descemet&#8217;s (Dua&#8217;s) layer between the stroma and Descemet&#8217;s membrane was described in 2013.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a3\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q3\">Can a damaged cornea heal itself?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q3\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">It depends on the layer. The surface epithelium heals within days, but damage to Bowman&#8217;s layer or the stroma heals with scar tissue, and lost endothelial cells are not replaced. Deep scars or endothelial failure may need laser treatment or a transplant.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a4\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q4\">Can the cornea be replaced?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q4\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">Yes. A corneal transplant replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. Today surgeons often replace only the diseased layers (DALK, DSAEK or DMEK) rather than the full thickness (PK), which usually means faster recovery.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a5\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q5\">Does laser eye surgery damage the cornea?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q5\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">Laser eye surgery deliberately reshapes the corneal stroma to change its focusing power. In a healthy, thick enough cornea this is safe for most people, but it cuts some corneal nerves, which often causes temporary dry eye. That is why the cornea is measured in detail before any laser treatment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acc-item\"><h3><button type=\"button\" class=\"t32\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a6\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q6\">Why is the cornea clear?<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use href=\"#i-plus\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/h3><div class=\"acc-panel\" id=\"faq-6ece2a5a-a6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-6ece2a5a-q6\"><div class=\"acc-body\"><p class=\"t22\">Because it has no blood vessels, its collagen fibres are arranged in a precise, regular pattern, and its inner endothelial layer constantly pumps out excess water.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the cornea in the eye?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. It covers the iris and pupil, protects the eye and provides about two-thirds of its focusing power.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the 5 layers of the cornea?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"From front to back: the epithelium, Bowman's layer, the stroma, Descemet's membrane and the endothelium. A sixth, very thin pre-Descemet's (Dua's) layer between the stroma and Descemet's membrane was described in 2013.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can a damaged cornea heal itself?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It depends on the layer. The surface epithelium heals within days, but damage to Bowman's layer or the stroma heals with scar tissue, and lost endothelial cells are not replaced. Deep scars or endothelial failure may need laser treatment or a transplant.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can the cornea be replaced?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. A corneal transplant replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. Today surgeons often replace only the diseased layers (DALK, DSAEK or DMEK) rather than the full thickness (PK), which usually means faster recovery.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Does laser eye surgery damage the cornea?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Laser eye surgery deliberately reshapes the corneal stroma to change its focusing power. In a healthy, thick enough cornea this is safe for most people, but it cuts some corneal nerves, which often causes temporary dry eye. That is why the cornea is measured in detail before any laser treatment.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why is the cornea clear?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Because it has no blood vessels, its collagen fibres are arranged in a precise, regular pattern, and its inner endothelial layer constantly pumps out excess water.\"}}]}<\/script><\/section>\n<!-- FAQ (FAQ accordion) End -->\n\n\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) Start -->\n<section class=\"psec pad tight\"><div class=\"container-fluid px-0\"><div class=\"row g-0\"><div class=\"col-12\"><details class=\"sources\" data-reveal><summary class=\"t22\">Sources for the facts on this page<\/summary><ol>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cornea (eye anatomy). <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/anatomy\/cornea-103\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">aao.org<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li>Ludwig PE, Lopez MJ, Sevensma KE. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eye Cornea. <em>StatPearls<\/em>, NCBI Bookshelf.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>University of Iowa, EyeRounds.org. Laser Refractive Surgery tutorial: corneal anatomy.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO). Basic Histology of the Eye and Accessory Structures.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>Dua HS, et al. Human corneal anatomy redefined: a novel pre-Descemet&#8217;s layer (Dua&#8217;s layer). <em>Ophthalmology<\/em> 2013;120(9):1778\u201385.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is Keratoconus?<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO). Keratoconus.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is a Corneal Ulcer (Keratitis)?<\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. Corneal Abrasion and Erosion.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO). Fuchs&#8217; Endothelial Dystrophy.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO). Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO). Phototherapeutic Keratectomy.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>EyeWiki (AAO). Photorefractive Keratectomy.<\/li>\n\t\t<li>NHS. Cornea transplant. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/cornea-transplant\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">nhs.uk<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t<li>American Academy of Ophthalmology. LASIK \u2014 Laser Eye Surgery.<\/li>\n\t<\/ol><\/details><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<!-- List (Sources and medical review) End -->\n\n\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) Start -->\n<section class=\"cta-band\" id=\"assessment\">\n\t<div class=\"contact-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div>\n\t<div class=\"cta-inner pad container-fluid\"><div class=\"row\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-7\"><div class=\"cta-copy\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"t64\" data-reveal>Worried about your cornea, or told you have keratoconus?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\" data-reveal>Send us your scans or eye report. Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer, our cornea specialist, will review them and tell you which treatments may suit your eyes, with no obligation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta-actions\" data-reveal><a class=\"pill pill-white\" href=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">Free online consultation: upload your prescription and scans<\/span><\/a><a class=\"pill pill-line\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/4915783739465?text=Hello%20Laser%20Istanbul%20Clinic%2C%20I%20would%20like%20some%20information%20about%20eye%20treatment.%20Sent%20from%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Flaseristanbulclinic.com%2Fen%2F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"pill-dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"pill-label\">WhatsApp: +49 157 8373 9465<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-5\"><div class=\"proof-card\" data-reveal>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"proof-text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"t48\">3 eye surgeons<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"t22\">Your case is reviewed by a named surgeon, not a salesperson. Reply within <span class=\"ph\">{{response time}}<\/span>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"avatars\" aria-label=\"Our surgeons\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/prof-dr-ahmet-satici-ophthalmologist-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sat\u0131c\u0131<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/doc-dr-muhammet-derda-ozer-cornea-specialist-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Do\u00e7. Dr. Muhammet Derda \u00d6zer<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/op-dr-aysan-bayram-eye-surgeon-istanbul.webp 806w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><span class=\"tip\">Op. Dr. Aysan Bayram<\/span><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<!-- Call to Action (Assessment band) End -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"parent":1756,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1813","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1813"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1813\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2958,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1813\/revisions\/2958"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1756"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/laseristanbulclinic.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}