The corneal dermis, also known as the corneal stroma, is the central and thickest layer of the cornea, representing about 90% of its total thickness (about 450-500 micrometres at the centre), and is responsible for the mechanical strength and optical properties of this structure. The corneal stroma consists of parallel collagen lamellae arranged in a highly ordered manner, with each lamella containing bundles of collagen fibres (mainly type I and V collagen) of uniform diameter of approximately 25-35 nanometres, spaced at precise intervals. The spaces between the collagen fibres are filled with a basal substance containing proteoglycans (mainly keratosulfate and chondroitin sulphates) and tissue fluid, and between the lamellar structures are flattened cells called keratocytes (corneal fibroblasts), which make up approximately 3-5% of the stroma volume.
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