UK Scientists Discover New Layer In Human Cornea

Until recently, it was believed that the cornea of the human eye consisted of five layers. However, the number has now grown to six after a discovery made by researchers from the University of Nottingham in the UK. The newly discovered layer has been called Dua’s Layer in honour of the scientist who discovered it, Professor Harminder Dua.

Dua’s Layer resides at the back of the cornea, located between the corneal stroma and Descemet’s membrane. It is only 15 microns thick but possesses incredible toughness. The newly discovered layer is strong enough to withstand up to two bars of pressure. Its existence was proved through stimulation of human corneal transplants and grafts. The eyes used in the study had been donated for research purposes to Bristol and Manchester eye banks.

The findings of the study have been published in the Ophthalmology journal. According to the authors, this breakthrough discovery has the potential to deliver dramatic improvements in surgery outcomes for patients undergoing corneal transplants and grafts.

Professor Dua said that the discovery was of such magnitude that it would necessitate the re-writing of ophthalmology textbooks. The identification of this new layer deep within the cornea tissue will allow doctors to use its presence to simplify operations and make them much safer for patients. Many diseases affect the back of the cornea and clinical practitioners from all over the world are already starting to see a connection between these diseases and the presence, absence or tear in the newly found layer, the professor added.