What does the cornea protect?

The cornea serves a crucial role in protecting the eye's internal structures, including the lens, anterior chamber, iris, and other components. It is the transparent front part of the eye, and its primary functions extend beyond just being a protective barrier.

By providing a clear and curved surface, the cornea helps to focus light that enters the eye, contributing significantly to good vision. It also acts as a barrier against dirt, germs, and other harmful particles, thereby shielding the sensitive structures within the eye from potential damage. The cornea is also involved in maintaining intraocular pressure and providing structural support.

In this context, while the eyelashes and eyelids also offer protective functions by keeping debris and moisture out of the eyes, they do not perform the same comprehensive protective role for the internal eye structures as the cornea does.