Scientists team at the University of Nottingham-England find a new layer of the cornea. Previously undetected layer is located at the back of the cornea from the human eye.
Newly discovered layer of the cornea was given named as "Dua layer," the name refers to the name of Dr. Harminder Dua, an ophthalmologist at the University of Nottingham who discovered it.
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| Dr. Harminder Dua. (Picture from: http://www.rotary.org/) |
The Dua layer discovery, published in an academic journal, the Ophthalmology that believed would help the world's surgeons to enhance the corneal graft practice. "We can now take advantage of the existence of this new layer to make the operation safer and simpler for patients," said Dr. Dua, as quoted by ScienceDaily, on June 12, 2013.
Human cornea is the clear protective lens on the front of the eye to the entry of light into the eye. Scientists previously believed the cornea consists of five layers. The outer portion is the epithelium, followed by Bowman layer, stroma, Descemet membrane, and endothelium. Well, the Dua layer is located at the back of the cornea, between stroma and Descemet membrane.
Newly discovered layer, although only 15 microns thick (from the total corneal thickness of 550 microns or 0.5 millimeters) proved strong enough to withstand pressures up to 1.5 bar.
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| The Dua Layer, a previously undetected component of the eye, has been spotted for the first time. Just 0.001mm thick, it can be found in the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye, and could help surgeons improve greatly outcomes for patients undergoing grafts and transplants. (Picture from: http://metro.co.uk/) |
"We found the Dua Layer through simulation of human corneal grafts," says Dr. Dua. During the surgery, a small bubble of air injected into the cornea of the eye to separate the different layers of the cornea. The scientists then observed the separate layers with an electron microscope, which allows them to zoom in on an object thousands of times the actual size.
Dr. Dua say the discovery could advance understanding of a number of corneal diseases, such as acute corneal hidrop, Descematocele, and pre-Descemet dystrophy. "It is now known if hidrop acute caused by excessive eyedrop on Dua layer," he said. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCIENCEDAIIY | MAHARDIKA SATRIA HADI | KORAN TEMPO 4257]
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