What it means
The clear window of the eye. It lets light in and does most of the focusing. It has many nerve endings, so a scratch (corneal abrasion) hurts a lot, and it has no blood vessels. Touching it makes the person blink (the corneal reflex). A cornea from a donor can be transplanted.
For the nurse
A client who is unconscious, sedated or cannot close the eyes fully loses the blink that protects the cornea: give eye care, lubricating drops or ointment and keep the lids closed as ordered.
At a glance
| Spanish | córnea |
|---|---|
| Also written | corneas, corneal |
Related terms
pupil
The round black opening in the center of the colored part of the eye, which lets light in.
optic nerve
The nerve that carries visual signals from the back of the eye to the brain; the second cranial nerve.
visual acuity
How clearly and sharply a person can see.