Question

Which of the following statements is correct?
(1) Cornea is an external, transparent and protective proteinaceous covering of the eye-ball.
(2) Cornea consists of dense connective tissue of elastin and can repair itself.
(3) Cornea is a convex, transparent layer which is highly vascularised.
(4) Cornea consists of a dense matrix of collagen and is the most sensitive portion of the eye.

Answer 1

Cornea is the front part of the eye which encloses iris, pupil and the anterior chamber. The cornea is the clear layer which allows light to pass through and refract. It helps the light to focus properly so that a clear image is formed.

Complete answer-
The cornea is the outermost, transparent layer of the eye which protects the iris, pupil and the anterior chamber. The cornea is like an aperture which controls the light and helps it in focusing into the eye. The light passes through the cornea and refracts and focuses on the lens. It is proteinaceous in nature. (statement 1 is correct)
The cornea consists of unmyelinated nerve endings which makes it the most sensitive part of the eye. As this layer is transparent, it does not have blood vessels. The oxygen helps to keep the cornea healthy. Any damage to the cornea can cause impaired vision. (statement 2 incorrect)
The concave part of the eye is the lens. (Therefore statement 3 is incorrect)
The cornea is made up of soluble protein called albumin. (Therefore statement 4 is incorrect)

So, the correct answer is option (1)

Note-
The cornea is the part of the eye which can be transplanted. As the cornea does not have any blood vessels, the chances of rejection in the recipient is nil. The cornea of the deceased can also be stored in the eye bank.