Can you thicken your cornea

Janey Wiggs at Harvard, we looked at human populations and this gene was a risk factor for glaucoma. This gene also marks a population of cells connecting the eye to the brain retinal ganglion cells that are the first to die in glaucoma. This suggests that a gene controlling corneal thickness may also cause sensitivity to elevated IOP on a population of retinal ganglion cells. Is this the only genetic connection between corneal thickness and glaucoma risk?

Probably not. Many clinicians do believe that the effect is due to corneal thickness affecting IOP measurements. People with thinner corneas have real IOP higher than the measured IOP, and it is this difference in measured versus actual IOP that contributes to the increased glaucoma risk. There is also the possibility that thinner corneas indicate a thinner more flexible sclera and that this difference in scleral stiffness may cause an increased susceptibility of retinal ganglion cells to injury.

There is no question that corneal thickness affects the likelihood of developing glaucoma and that this trait is highly heritable genetic. Corneal thickness is one of the factors in a complex interaction between genetics and environment that contributes to overall glaucoma risk. This content was last updated on: August 17, The information provided here is a public service of the BrightFocus Foundation and should not in any way substitute for personalized advice of a qualified healthcare professional; it is not intended to constitute medical advice.

Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. BrightFocus Foundation does not endorse any medical product, therapy, or resources mentioned or listed in this article. All medications and supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. Also, although we make every effort to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the posted information reflects the most up-to-date research.

These articles do not imply an endorsement of BrightFocus by the author or their institution, nor do they imply an endorsement of the institution or author by BrightFocus. Some of the content may be adapted from other sources, which will be clearly identified within the article. Learn about the nerve that is involved in many causes of eye pain and discomfort. Read This First. Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help? Protect Your Sight from Macular Degeneration.

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Find an Ophthalmologist. Advanced Search. Free Newsletter Get ophthalmologist-reviewed tips and information about eye health and preserving your vision. Popular Questions. Loading, please wait Most Viewed content is not available. Remember when mom used to make you eat all your vegetables and give you fruit for dessert? Well, just as with other things in life, mom was right again.

It just so happens that many of those foods we disliked as children contain nutrients to strengthen your cornea and eyes. Orange peppers are low fat and contain valuable amounts of Vitamin E. They contain nutrients, like Lutein and Zeaxanthin, that reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and they have more Vitamin C than an orange. And of course carrots are great too. The greener the veggie, the better for your eyes.

Try broccoli, dark leafy lettuces, spinach, brussel sprouts and kale. They are excellent sources of antioxidants, so find ways to include them in your diet.

Bring home strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries with ample amounts of Vitamin C and E. Pile your cart high with oranges and grapefruit.