Biological functions of tear film

Tears have a vital function to protect and lubricate the ocular surface. Tear production, distribution and clearance is tightly regulated by the lacrimal functional unit (LFU) to meet ocular surface demands. The tear film consists of an aqueous-mucin layer, containing fluid and soluble factors produ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Experimental eye research Vol. 197; p. 108115
Main Authors: Pflugfelder, Stephen C., Stern, Michael E.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2020
Subjects:
Dry eye
Dry eye disease
Dry Eye Syndromes - metabolism
Glycoproteins - metabolism
Growth factor
Humans
Innate immunity
Lacrimal Apparatus - metabolism
Lipid
Mucin
Mucins - metabolism
Pain
Tear stability
Tears
Tears - metabolism
Visual acuity
Mucin
Pain
Dry eye
Innate immunity
Visual acuity
Dry eye disease
Tears
Tear stability
Lipid
Growth factor
ISSN:0014-4835, 1096-0007, 1096-0007
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Tears have a vital function to protect and lubricate the ocular surface. Tear production, distribution and clearance is tightly regulated by the lacrimal functional unit (LFU) to meet ocular surface demands. The tear film consists of an aqueous-mucin layer, containing fluid and soluble factors produced by the lacrimal glands and mucin secreted by the goblet cells, that is covered by a lipid layer. The array of proteins, glycoproteins and lipids in tears function to maintain a stable, well-lubricated and smooth optical surface. Tear factors also promote wound healing, suppress inflammation, scavenge free radicals, and defend against microbial infection. Disease and dysfunction of the LFU leads to tear instability, increased evaporation, inflammation, and blurred and fluctuating vision. The function of tear components and the consequences of tear deficiency on the ocular surface are reviewed. •The complex structure and composition of the tear film protects the cornea, promotes wound healing and maintains eye comfort and quality vision.•The integrated lacrimal functional unit regulates tear production and maintains stability.•Altered tear composition and stability in dry eye cause eye inflammation, corneal disease and blurred vision.
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ISSN:0014-4835
1096-0007
1096-0007
DOI:10.1016/j.exer.2020.108115