Ocular tear film and corneal surface

The ocular tear film and corneal surface represent a critical physiological system responsible for maintaining the health, protection, and optical quality of the eye. The tear film is a dynamic, multi-layered structure composed of lipids, an aqueous component, and mucins that work in concert to lubricate the ocular surface and provide a smooth refractive interface for vision (StatPearls, 2023). The corneal surface, specifically the epithelium, serves as a physical barrier and interacts with the tear film to maintain homeostasis (NIH, 2023). Pathological disruption of this system, often termed dry eye disease or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, involves a cycle of tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, and ocular surface inflammation (TFOS DEWS II, 2017). Therapeutic strategies targeting this system include the use of lubricants to supplement tear volume, lipid-based emulsions to prevent evaporation, and anti-inflammatory agents like cyclosporine or lifitegrast to address the underlying immune response (PubMed, 2021).

Other names

Precorneal tear filmOcular surfaceTear film

Lubrication, Immunomodulation, Lipid layer stabilization, Mucin secretion stimulation