Scientists have discovered a new layer of the cornea, the clear lens at the front of the eye.
The new research from a team of University of Nottingham scientists was published in the journal Ophthalmology. The findings may help doctor's perform more successful corneal grafts and even transplants.
The new layer has been named Dua's Layer, after the professor who made the discovery.
"This is a major discovery that will mean that ophthalmology textbooks will literally need to be re-written," professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Harminder Dua said in the study. "Having identified this new and distinct layer deep in the tissue of the cornea, we can now exploit its presence to make operations much safer and simpler for patients."
Scientists proved the existence of the layer by simulating procedures such as corneal grafts and transplants on eyes obtained from organ donors.
The researchers injected tiny air bubbles in between the different layers of the cornea to separate them, they then studied each section through an electron microscope.
Dua said doctor's around the world are already beginning to attribute eye diseases and injuries to problems with the previously undetected layer.
Scientists previously believed the human cornea only consisted of five layers, the "corneal epithelium, Bowman's layer, the corneal stroma, Descemet's membrane and the corneal endothelium."
The newly-discovered layer is located towards the back of the cornea. It's only 15 microns thick; the entire cornea is about 550 microns. Despite the fact that it's so thin, it's extremely strong and can withstand and unusual amount of pressure.
The discovery will maximize the safety of future eye surgeries by allowing doctor's to inject air bubbles above Dua's layer, as was performed in the experimental procedures. Since the layer is so strong it has less of a chance of tearing which will mean a potential better outcome for the patient.
The discovery has also given doctor's insight into the eye condition known as corneal hydrops, a buildup of fluid in the keratoconus that causes an area of the cornea to bulge out.
Researchers now believe the condition is caused by a tear in Dua's layer, which allows water from the eye to get in through the crack.
