Bowman's membrane

Bowman's Membrane is a smooth, transparent layer of tissue found in the cornea of the human eye. Named after Sir William Bowman, a 19th-century British ophthalmologist and anatomist, it is located between the corneal epithelium and the stroma.

Structure

Bowman's Membrane is approximately 8 to 14 micrometers thick and is composed primarily of strong, type I collagen fibers. Unlike other layers of the cornea, it does not regenerate if damaged or removed. This layer is acellular, meaning it does not contain cells, and is also avascular, meaning it does not contain blood vessels.

Function

The primary function of Bowman's Membrane is to provide structural support to the cornea and protect the underlying stroma. It also acts as a barrier against the invasion of foreign substances into the cornea.

Clinical significance

Damage to Bowman's Membrane can occur due to various conditions such as keratoconus, a degenerative disorder that causes the cornea to thin and change shape, and Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy, a rare, genetic disorder that leads to the formation of abnormal, rough deposits on the membrane. In addition, certain surgical procedures like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) involve the removal or disruption of Bowman's Membrane.

See also

• Cornea
• Keratoconus
• Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy
• Photorefractive keratectomy
• Epithelial keratomileusis