2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
2 Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology
Part IV: Biochemistry and Metabolism
Chapter 8: Cornea
Highlights
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Corneal avascularity is maintained by soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1.
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Corneal stem cells repopulate the desquamating epithelium. Recent research suggests that corneal stem cells exist in the central cornea as well as at the limbus.
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The corneal epithelium provides a barrier to diffusion of hydrophilic molecules; however, corneal proteoglycans confer hydrophilic properties to the stroma. Thus, when hydrophilic drugs are applied topically, the drug molecules must change their biochemical properties to reach the anterior chamber.
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Collagen fibrils and fibers (fibril bundles) within the corneal stroma maintain a regular arrangement with minimal variation in diameter. This uniformity is critical for corneal clarity.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 2 - Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.