Did You Know!

Unlike many other tissues in the body, the cornea, which is the clear, outermost layer of the eye, is avascular, meaning it lacks blood vessels. Instead of relying on blood for nutrients and oxygen, the cornea obtains these essential elements directly from the tears on the outside and the aqueous humor (the fluid in the front part of the eye) on the inside. This unique avascular nature is crucial for maintaining the cornea’s transparency, allowing light to pass through and reach the retina without interference. The absence of blood vessels helps reduce the risk of inflammation and maintains the cornea’s clarity, contributing to our ability to see clearly.