What is the transparent layer that forms the front of the eye called?

The transparent layer that forms the front of the eye is known as the cornea. The cornea serves a vital role in vision; it refracts light rays entering the eye, helping to focus images on the retina. Its transparency is crucial for allowing light to pass through without significant distortion or obstruction, which is essential for clear vision. Additionally, the cornea acts as a protective barrier against dirt, germs, and other harmful matter that could potentially damage the inner structures of the eye.

In contrast, the iris is the colored part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil and the amount of light entering the eye. The lens is a structure located behind the iris that further focuses light onto the retina, while the sclera is the white outer layer of the eyeball, providing shape and protection but does not contribute to light refraction in the same way that the cornea does. Thus, the defined function and location of the cornea solidify its role as the transparent front layer of the eye.