Which area of the cornea contains the highest curvature?

The area of the cornea that contains the highest curvature is centrally located. This is because the cornea is designed to be more curved at its center to create the optimal refractive power necessary for focusing light onto the retina. The central area, also known as the optical zone, plays a crucial role in vision by bending incoming light more than the peripheral regions.

In contrast, the periphery of the cornea is flatter, which helps to create a smooth transition from the more curved central region to the surrounding sclera, preventing abrupt changes in curvature that could impact vision and provide structural integrity. The limbal region serves as the boundary between the cornea and the sclera and does not have the same degree of curvature as the central area. Similarly, the inferior area of the cornea may have some curvature, but it generally is not as pronounced as that found centrally. Understanding these characteristics of corneal shape is essential for various applications, including contact lens fitting and predicting visual outcomes following refractive surgeries.