sarveiskalvolle
Sarveiskalvo is the Finnish term for the cornea, the transparent outer layer at the front of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. It is a crucial component of the eye's optical system, responsible for refracting light. The cornea is avascular, meaning it has no blood vessels, and receives oxygen directly from the air and nutrients from the tear film and aqueous humor. It is composed of five layers: the epithelium, Bowman's layer, the stroma, Descemet's membrane, and the endothelium. The epithelium is the outermost protective layer, constantly regenerating. The stroma makes up about 90% of the cornea's thickness and provides its structural integrity. The endothelium, on the other hand, is a single layer of cells responsible for pumping excess fluid out of the stroma, maintaining corneal clarity. Damage or disease affecting any of these layers can lead to vision impairment, including blurry vision, pain, and light sensitivity. Common conditions affecting the sarveiskalvo include infections, abrasions, keratitis (inflammation), and keratoconus (a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea). Surgical procedures like corneal transplants are performed to restore vision when the cornea is significantly damaged or diseased.