Corneal stroma

Corneal stroma is the thickest, central layer of the cornea, comprising approximately 90% of its overall thickness[1][3][5]. It is formed mainly by tightly organized, parallel collagen fibrils (mostly type I and type V collagen) arranged in a lamellar structure, interspersed with keratocytes (specialized fibroblasts) and proteoglycans. This unique organization provides both mechanical strength and the optical transparency necessary for vision[1][2][3]. The corneal stroma is essential for maintaining corneal shape, curvature, and transparency, all of which are vital for proper focusing of light onto the retina. It is avascular and derives its nutrition from the tear film and aqueous humor[4][5]. Disorganization of the stromal structure (e.g., in keratoconus or corneal scarring) leads to loss of transparency and impaired vision[1][2][3]. Summary of key points: - Corneal stroma is **not** a druggable molecular target but a structural tissue/component of the eye. - It plays essential roles in **vision**, **structural integrity**, and **protection**. - In the context of drug targeting, therapies act on cellular or molecular activities within or affecting the stroma—not the stroma as a whole[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

Substantia propriaStroma of the cornea