The normal cornea is?

The normal cornea is characterized as avascular, meaning it does not contain blood vessels. This lack of vascularization is vital for maintaining the transparency of the cornea, as blood vessels can introduce scattering of light which would impair vision. Instead, the cornea receives nutrients and oxygen primarily from the tear fluid and the aqueous humor, allowing it to remain clear and function effectively in refracting light.

Understanding the importance of the avascular nature of the cornea provides insight into its role in vision and its unique healing properties. For example, the absence of blood vessels contributes to a reduced risk of rejection in corneal transplants because the immune system has less access to this tissue.

In contrast, while the cornea does have a specific moisture content and layers, these attributes alone do not define its primary characteristics relevant to vision health. Thus, recognizing the avascularity of the cornea as a key feature underscores its significance in optical clarity and the overall health of the eye.