Educational Materials
What/Where is the cornea?
The cornea is the front, clear, protruding portion of the eye,
normally
invisible when viewed straight on, but easily seen when looking at the eye
from the side.
Its location and structure is similar to the crystal on a watch. Often it is referred to as the "window" of the eye.
The cornea helps to focus light onto the retina (the back portion of the eye). It must be clear and smooth for good vision to be achieved. Corneal opacities, scratches, surface roughness, and irregular curvature will distort vision, and are frequently associated with sensitivity to light (photophobia).