Detecting the 6th layer in the human eye

The textbooks in the field of ophthalmology always describe the cornea of ​​the human eye consisting of 5 layers. However, they need to be rewritten after the University of Nottingham (UK) Professor Harminder Dua discovered a sixth class.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Professor Dua said: "After identifying a new and distinct layer, deep within the corneal tissue, we can now take advantage of its presence to proceed. The surgery is much safer and simpler for patients.

Clinical experts around the world have begun to recognize the link between many diseases that affect the back of the cornea with the existence or disappearance or tearing of this new layer. "

The new layer of cornea, called the Dua class, honors the professor who discovered its existence. In the study report published in Ophthalmology, the Dua layer was described as very thin, difficult to see at a size of 15 microns (1 micron = 1 / 1,000mm), smaller than beach sand and fog. This layer occupies only a small portion of the cornea, which is 550 microns thick.

The Dua layer is located near the bottom of the cornea. Scientists have discovered it by scanning electron microscopy after injecting tiny air bubbles into the cornea donated to separate the layers.

Until recently, researchers claimed they had a better understanding of certain diseases related to the cornea. For example, corneal septic disease occurs when fluid builds up in a patient's eye that distorts the cornea and forms a large bulge. Researchers now believe that this bulge caused by a hole in the Dua class.

The discovery of the Dua layer may also be useful in eye surgeries. For example, the doctor may inject an air bubble next to the Dua layer to check its strength.