Eye lubrication (null)

“Eye lubrication” refers to the physiological process by which the surface of the eye is kept moist and protected, primarily through secretion and maintenance of the tear film. This multilayered film is produced by the lacrimal gland (aqueous layer), meibomian glands (oil layer), and conjunctival goblet cells (mucin layer)[1][3][7][8][9][10]. The tear film lubricates, nourishes, and protects the ocular surface, supports corneal health, aids in wound healing, removes debris, and defends against pathogens[3][2]. Disruption of this process leads to various ocular surface diseases, most notably dry eye disease. ### Caveat: **“Eye lubrication” is not a molecule, receptor, or therapeutic target,** but a descriptive function. The principal molecular targets or anatomical structures involved in this process include the **lacrimal gland**, **meibomian glands**, and **components of the tear film** (such as mucins, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and other proteins)[1][2][3][7][8][9][10]. For molecular targeting or drug development purposes, one would refer specifically to these glands or molecular pathways involved in tear production and maintenance.

Other names

Tear film integrityTear productionOcular surface lubrication

Supplementation of tear film Immunomodulation (e.g., cyclosporine inhibits T-cell activation) Anti-inflammatory Increased tear production