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Cornea

The cornea is the outer, clear, round structure that covers the colored part of the eye (iris) and the pupil. The cornea directs light rays into the eye and helps focus them on the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye, providing sharp, clear vision.

Vision problems such as astigmatism or nearsightedness (myopia) are often caused by changes in the normal shape of the cornea.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC
- Ophthalmology
Last Updated November 23, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 23, 2007
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