Ocular surface glycocalyx

The **ocular surface glycocalyx** is a complex carbohydrate-rich layer coating the epithelial cells of the cornea and conjunctiva. This structure is primarily composed of membrane-associated mucins (such as **MUC1, MUC4, MUC16, MUC20, MUC21, and MUC22**), proteoglycans, and glycolipids. The mucins form a dense, heavily glycosylated matrix that can reach hundreds of nanometers in thickness and extends from the apical cell surface into the tear film. The glycocalyx is essential for maintaining surface hydration, lubrication, wettability, and acts as both a physical and biochemical barrier, impeding pathogen adhesion and modulating inflammation. It associates with galectin-3 to form a protective galectin-glycan lattice. Breakdown of this structure is implicated in various ocular surface disorders such as **dry eye disease**, infections, allergies, and complications related to systemic diseases. Restoration or protection of the glycocalyx (e.g., via rebamipide) is a therapeutic goal in managing these conditions[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Other names

ocular surface mucinocular epithelial glycocalyxmembrane-associated mucin layerocular mucin glycocalyx

Upregulation/restoration of mucin expression, normalization of glycocalyx structure, enhanced barrier and lubrication