Mucin layer of the ocular surface

The mucin layer of the ocular surface is a composite structure formed by high molecular weight glycoproteins (mucins) secreted by goblet cells and expressed on epithelial membranes (membrane-associated mucins). This layer is essential for tear film stability, lubrication, epithelial protection, debris/pathogen clearance, and minimizing evaporation. It prevents direct pathogenic binding and reduces friction during blinking by making the ocular surface highly hydrophilic and forming a barrier known as the glycocalyx. Major ocular surface mucins include secreted mucins (e.g., MUC5AC) and membrane-associated mucins (e.g., MUC1, MUC4, MUC16). Alteration in the mucin layer composition or structure underlies several ocular surface disorders, principally dry eye disease and infection susceptibility[2][3][7][8].

Other names

mucus layer of the tear filmocular surface mucin layertear film mucus layer

Drugs targeting mucin function modulate secretion or enhance integrity of the mucin layer (e.g., stimulating goblet cell secretion, supporting mucin glycosylation)