Brit Scientist Discovers New Layer on Human Cornea

An Indian-origin doctor in Britain has discovered a new layer present on the human cornea. University of Nottingham’s Harminder Dua discovered the layer, which is just 0.001mm thick but incredibly tough and plays an important role in the structure of the tissue which controls flow of fluid from the eye. Termed as Dua’s Layer, it plays an important role in the development of sieve-like trabecular meshwork in the cornea which helps maintain balanced pressure in the eye.

Glaucoma is caused by the defective drainage through the meshwork, leading to high pressure and blindness. The finding has been published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

“This is a major discovery that will mean that ophthalmology textbooks will need to be rewritten. This new finding resulting from a study of the microanatomy of the periphery of the layer could have significance beyond corneal surgery. From a clinical perspective, there are many diseases that affect the back of the cornea which clinicians across the world are already beginning to relate to the presence, absence or tear in this layer”, Professor Dua said.



Source-Medindia