Mike Woods MVB Cert V Ophthal MRCVS, Primrose Hill Ophthalmology Referral Centre, Dun Laoghaire, provides a synopsis of a practical guide to corneal disease as presented at the VICAS Annual Conference 2018.A starting point, when assessing corneal disease, is to appreciate corneal anatomy - it has an epithelium with a basement membrane, beneath which is the stromal layer, Descemet's membrane and the endothelial layer. The intregrity of the layers is vital to the health of the cornea. It is maintained in a 40% dehydrated state protected by the functional intregrity of the outer and inner membranes namely the epithelium and the endothelium. A failure of these layers permits the ingress of fluid and the hydration of the tissues leading to corneal oedema and loss of transparency.
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