A new layer in the cornea has been discovered! Best day EVER! Before this amazing discovery the cornea was thought to have five layers, but with the discovery of Dua’s layer it is an unabridged six!
So, what does this mean? Dua’s layer (named after the Ophthalmologist that discovered it, Dr. Harminder Dua) is made of primarily strong collagen. This new layer can change the way surgeons perform some types of corneal transplants. Dua’s layer is 15 microns thick; to put that in perspective, one piece of human hair is 75 microns thick. This new layer is located between the stroma and Descemet’s membrane. This discovery will help our understanding and treatments of corneal diseases such as Fuch’s dystrophy and keratoconus. Keratoconus causes the cornea to progressively become thinner, taking on a cone shape which can severly affect vision and can affect people of all ages.
This discovery has opened our eyes (cheesy pun intended) to a new realm of possibilities.
Enjoy the new year!
Written by Milwaukee Eye Care Associate’s Technician and Surgical Coordinator Paula W.
