Ocular surface, corneal epithelium, and tear film

The ocular surface encompasses the corneal epithelium, conjunctival epithelium, and the overlaying tear film. The corneal epithelium is a non-keratinized, stratified layer of cells that forms the front-most barrier of the cornea, essential for protection and clarity. The tear film is a dynamic, multi-layered fluid (composed of lipid, aqueous, and mucin layers) that lubricates the cornea, provides nutrients, defends against pathogens through antimicrobial proteins, and supplies a smooth refractive surface necessary for vision. Together, these structures maintain the health, transparency, and function of the eye's anterior segment, and disruption leads to common diseases such as dry eye, infections, and inflammatory conditions.

Other names

Ocular surfaceCorneal epitheliumTear filmOcular surface barrier

Not applicable (since there is no single molecular target), but relevant drugs may: - Supplement tear film volume or composition (artificial tears) - Suppress inflammation (cyclosporine, corticosteroids) - Block immune cell adhesion (lifitegrast) - Provide antimicrobial activity (antibiotics)