Bowman's membrane

The Bowman's membrane (Bowman's layer, anterior limiting lamina, anterior elastic lamina) is a smooth layer in the eye. It is located between the front epithelium and the stroma in the cornea. It is composed of strong collagen fibers and helps the cornea maintain its shape. If the Bowman's membrane is damaged, scarring would normally occur.

In adult humans, this layer is 8-12 μm thick.

Bowman's layer is absent in cats, dogs, and other carnivores.

The Bowman's membrane is named after Sir William Bowman (1816 - 1892), an English physician, anatomist and ophthalmologist, who discovered this membrane.