WHEN one thinks of keratin, the first thing that comes to mind is a good hair product.
Some of us are aware that keratin is a protein that helps form hair, nails and your skin's outer layer (the epidermis) but is it in our eyes as well?
Verdict:
TRUE
There are 54 kinds of keratin in your body with its main purposes being to help support your skin, heal wounds and keep your nails and hair healthy.
Keratins are a group of tough, fibrous proteins that form the structural framework of epithelial cells, which line the surfaces and cavities of the body.
When it comes to the eye, one of our greatest fears is injuring it or getting something in it as we go about our day.
This is where keratin comes to our rescue, working as the outermost protective barrier for our corneas.
Keratin 3 (a type of protein) is produced in a tissue on the surface of the eye called the corneal epithelium.
This tissue forms the outermost layer of the cornea, which is the clear front covering of the eye. The corneal epithelium acts as a barrier to help prevent foreign materials, such as dust and bacteria, from entering the eye.
The keratin 3 protein partners with another keratin protein, keratin 12, to form molecules known as intermediate filaments.
These filaments form strong networks that provide strength and resilience to the corneal epithelium.
REFERENCES:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
https://medlineplus.gov/
