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Biological Functions of Tear Film
Biological Functions of Tear Film
PII: S0014-4835(20)30374-2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2020.108115
Reference: YEXER 108115
Please cite this article as: Pflugfelder, S.C., Stern, M.E., Biological functions of tear film, Experimental
Eye Research (2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2020.108115.
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Stephen C. Pflugfelder1
Michael E. Stern1,2
1
Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
2
ImmunEyez, Mission Viejo, CA, United States (michaelstern4@gmail.com)
Disclosure statement: None of the authors have any financial or personal relationships
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Stephen C. Pflugfelder
Cullen Eye Institute
Baylor College of Medicine
6565 Fannin St., NC505
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: 713-798-6100
Fax: 713-798-1457
e-mail: stevenp@bcm.edu
Abstract
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,
smooth optical surface. Tear factors also promote wound healing, suppress
inflammation, scavenge free radicals, and defend against microbial infection. Disease
inflammation, and blurred and fluctuating vision. The function of tear components and
Keywords: Tears, Tear stability, mucin, lipid, growth factor, innate immunity, dry eye,
Funding: This work was supported by NIH Grant EY11915 (SCP), NIH Core Grants-
Blindness, New York, NY (SCP), the Oshman Foundation, Houston, TX (SCP), the
The tear film is the interface between the ocular surface epithelium and the
Smith et al., 2000), it has a highly complex composition containing water, electrolytes,
mucins, and an array of proteins and lipids. Indeed, a study surveying human tear fluid
1500 proteins (Zhou et al., 2012). The structure of the tear film continues to evolve, but
covered by lipid that moves over the glycocalyx on the surface epithelium (Figure 1)
(Yokoi and Georgiev, 2018). Knowledge regarding the biological function of the tears is
based on activity of individual constituents (e.g. growth factors), imaging studies and the
consequences of tear deficiency. Findings from these studies show tears function to
maintain comfort, prevent infection, suppress inflammation, heal traumatic and surgical
injuries, clear debris and maintain high quality vision. Evidence in support of these
2. Methods. A literature search of clinical and basic studies, and review articles
published from 1960 to 2020 was performed in PubMed.gov using major terms tear film,
tear function and tear stability and subheadings mucin, lipid, growth factors, cytokines,
visual acuity and pain. The bibliographies of references identified by this strategy were
also reviewed.
and lipids which allow it to fulfill its basic functions. Perhaps its most important function
is the primary optical surface of the eye (Tutt et al., 2000). The tear film assures eye
comfort through its lubricative properties which decrease shear forces from the lid
margin as it traverses the ocular surface during a blink cycle (Rolando and Zierhut,
2001). Reduced tear volume and altered tear film composition in DED can lead to
increased shear force levels capable of causing epitheliopathy of the lid marginal
conjunctiva that wipes the ocular surface during blinking (termed lid wiper
(Korb et al., 2005). Another function of the normal tear film is protection of the ocular
surface epithelium from the environmental insults incurred on a daily basis. These
low humidity and rapid air movement from wind or inside air handling. This is
including hydrating glycoproteins and antimicrobials (e.g. IgA, lactoferrin, lysozyme and
defensins) (Zhou et al., 2007; Zhou et al., 2004). The tear film functions to provide a
trophic environment to the ocular surface epithelial tissues. Integrity and secretory
function of the epithelium is important to maintain its role as an innate barrier and “seal”
over the extensive network of epithelial free nerve endings (Zhou and Beuerman, 2012).
The lacrimal functional unit (LFU) regulates the production, delivery and
et al., 1998a, b). Anatomically, the LFU includes the tear secreting glands (main and
accessory glands lacrimal glands, Meibomian glands, conjunctival goblet cells), the
surface epithelium, eye lids, lacrimal drainage system, the glandular and mucosal
immune system and the interconnecting innervation. The neural component of the LFU
consists of a reflexive loop starting at the highly innervated cornea with afferent traffic to
the central nervous system, including the brainstem and cerebral cortex (Figure 2).
These afferents along with emotional centers in the brain project to secretory and motor
efferent nerves to drive tear production and blinking. The efferent pathways are found to
terminate within the main and accessory lacrimal glands, conjunctival goblet cells and
the meibomian glands, indicating that secretion of all major components of the tear film
are tightly controlled to maintain a normal homeostatic tear composition. Seminal work
nociceptors and made a critical discovery that the TRPM8 “cold receptor” stimulated by
cooling of the corneal surface between blinks, is responsible for driving normal tear flow
chronic disease such as diabetes, results in decreased tear secretion and surface
epithelial disease with disrupted barrier function. It is now recognized that the dense
innervation of the cornea is susceptible to insults that can cause neuropathic pain,
including altered tear composition, inflammation and trauma (Rosenthal and Borsook,
2016).
Dysfunction of the LFU results in dry eye disease (DED), also described as
composition that can’t maintain stability and protect the ocular surface and activates
innate inflammatory and adaptive immunity to yet to be determined ocular surface
4. Stability. Maintenance of tear stability is essential for maintaining comfort and quality
vision. Tear stability requires dynamic interaction between the major tear constituents
described below. An unstable tear film is the hallmark of tear dysfunction/deficiency and
4.1. Mucins. Tear mucus, composed of water and mucin glycoproteins serve to
maintain barrier function, hydration and wettability of the hydrophobic surface epithelial
cell membranes, provide a matrix for lacrimal secreted factors and minimize friction from
blinking. The surface epithelial cells on the cornea and conjunctiva produce membrane
associated mucins (MAM), including MUC1, MUC4, MUC16 that are the major
constituents of the glycocalyx (Gipson, 2004; Pflugfelder et al., 2000) (Gipson et al.,
2014). In addition to being expressed on the apical corneal and conjunctival epithelia,
MUC16 has also been found on the surface of mucin granules in human conjunctival
goblet cells and may participate in expelling gel forming mucin from these cells (Gipson
et al., 2016). The goblet cells express the gel-forming mucin genes MUC5AC, MUC5B
(in a subpopulation) and MUC2 (Gipson and Inatomi, 1998; Jumblatt et al., 2003; Marko
et al., 2014; McKenzie et al., 2000) (Argueso et al., 2002; Spurr-Michaud et al., 2007)
(Alam et al., 2020) Tear mucus is composed primarily of the gel forming mucin
MUC5AC with minor contributions from membrane associated mucins shed from the
MUC16 has the longest ectodomain of the membrane associated mucins and
to MUC16, there may be chemical attractions between MUC16 and soluble tear mucins.
Treatment of the rabbit cornea with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an agent that disrupts
(Tiffany, 1990), while treatment of the rat ocular surface decreased conjunctival
microvilli area, increased tear MUC16 (indicating shedding) and corneal fluorescein
staining and decreased tear MUC5AC concentration, surface wettability and tear break
up time (Li et al., 2018). The gel formed by goblet cell secretory mucus moves over the
ocular surface and contributes to tear stability by binding water (Gipson and Argueso,
2003). Secretory mucin also has been found to clear pathogens and debris (Gipson,
2016). Spdef knockout mice that lack goblet cells have increased debris in the tears and
did not clear topically applied Pseudomonas bacteria, although they didn’t show
Reduced conjunctival goblet cell density and levels of soluble goblet cell
MUC5AC and have been reported in DED (Pflugfelder SC, 2015) (Khimani et al., 2020)
(Uchino et al., 2014). Goblet cell loss also occurs in systemic inflammatory diseases,
such as Sjögren syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and graft vs. host disease
(GVHD) (Nelson and Wright, 1984; Pflugfelder et al., 1997; Ralph, 1975; Wang et al.,
2010) Conjunctival goblet cell loss is correlated with severity of irritation symptoms,
clinical ocular surface disease and level of ocular surface inflammation in aqueous tear
deficiency (Zuazo et al., 2014). A significant inverse correlation was found between
categorical severity of Sjögren syndrome associated DED using the Dry Eye Workshop
scale and goblet cell density in the temporal and superior bulbar conjunctiva (Pflugfelder
et al., 2018). Goblet cell density in the temporal bulbar conjunctiva was found to
inversely correlate with Rose Bengal staining score at that site and with staining of the
entire exposure zone (Pflugfelder et al., 1997). Goblet cell density was also noted to be
inversely correlated with expression of the cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the
bulbar conjunctiva (Pflugfelder et al., 2015) and with the percentage of HLA-DR positive
cells obtained in impression cytology (Pflugfelder et al., 2018). Eyes with significant
goblet cell loss due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Sjögren syndrome are at risk for
bilaterally (Bagga et al., 2018; Ormerod et al., 1988; Pflugfelder et al., 1986).
4.2. Lipids
The surface lipid layer of the tear film, primarily derived from the Meibomian
glands, serves as the interface between the aqueous layer and the air. Tear film lipid is
composed of a thin layer of polar lipids interfacing with the underlying secretory mucus
layer and a thicker layer of non-polar lipids at the air interface (Figure 1). The lipid layer
functions as a smooth optical surface, reduces surface tension of the tear film, prevents
anterior migration of aqueous tears on to the lid margin and retards evaporation
(Georgiev et al., 2017) (Cwiklik, 2016). The lipid layer is compressed towards the lower
lid during a blink, then spreads upward as the lid opens. Altered spreading and focal
thinning of the lipid layer in Meibomian gland disease contributes to tear instability
(Braun et al., 2015). Increased tear evaporation and osmolarity in areas of lipid thinning
has been proposed to further destabilize the tears (Braun et al., 2014; Braun et al.,
2015)
the inferior tear meniscus (290-340 mOsm in normal and 305-360 mOsm in DED)
(Braun et al., 2015) (Braun et al., 2014; Peng et al., 2014) (Zubkov et al., 2012) (Lemp
et al., 2011). The threshold of tear osmolarity stimulating pain sensation by corneal
hypertonic solutions in the range of 800-900 mOsm produced a similar level of irritation
that occurs during tear break up (Liu et al., 2009). These findings indicate the focal rise
in tear osmolarity could be responsible for the discomfort associated with tear breakup
5. Visual performance
The tear film is a critical component of the optical system of the eye. The tears
and the anterior surface of the cornea account for approximately 80% of the refractive
power for the eye (Rolando and Zierhut, 2001). Deterioration in cornea surface
smoothness, reduced contrast sensitivity and increased optical aberrations that degrade
retina image quality in eyes with tear film instability highlight the functional role of the
tear film in maintaining high quality vision (Rieger, 1992). Studies using the topographic
surface regularity index (SRI) developed by Wilson and Klyce have found that
reflections from the central cornea/tear film are more irregular in DED (Liu and
Pflugfelder, 1999; Wilson and Klyce, 1991) (de Paiva et al., 2003). Furthermore, the
timewise increase in SRI from 0-10 seconds after a blink was reported to be higher in
DED (Gumus et al., 2011; Kojima et al., 2004). DED has also been found to increase
optical scattering and optical aberrations (Diaz-Valle et al., 2012). Differences in tear
film thickness during tear film break up increases higher order optical aberrations (Koh,
2016, 2018). These changes in optical properties may be responsible for the reduced
low contrast visual acuity and functional visual acuity in DED. (Chotikavanich et al.,
2009; Goto et al., 2002; Kaido et al., 2011; Rolando et al., 1998) (Liu et al., 2010;
Szczotka-Flynn et al., 2019). These alterations may cause symptoms of visual fatigue,
The aqueous-mucin tear layer contains numerous proteins, including growth and
epithelial and/or stromal wound healing (Klenkler et al., 2007). The Table lists the most
abundant tear growth factors and their function. Certain factors, such as epidermal
growth factor (EGF), are secreted by the lacrimal gland into tears (Jones et al., 1997).
Others, such as TGF-β are produced by the ocular surface stratified epithelium (TGF-β1
and β2) and goblet cells (TGF-β2) (Contreras-Ruiz and Masli, 2015; Pflugfelder et al.,
2008; Torricelli et al., 2016; Yoshino et al., 1996). Concentrations of certain lacrimal
gland secreted growth factors, such as EGF, decrease in aqueous tear deficiency (Lam
et al., 2009); however, concentration or activity of others, such as NGF and TGF-β1
have been reported to increase in DED. (Lambiase et al., 2011; Zheng et al., 2010)
Since the initial discovery of lysozyme in the tears by Alexander Fleming in 1922,
many anti-infective molecules have been found in the normal tear film (Gallo, 2013).
They include lysozyme (present at 2.5mg/ml) (Wiesner and Vilcinckas 2010) and
lactoferrin (present at 1.5 mg/ml) (Kijlstra et al., 1983; Wiesner and Vilcinskas, 2010).
Lactoferrin’s basic anti-bacterial mechanism is through its ability to bind free iron which
is necessary for bacterial growth (Flanagan and Willcox, 2009). This molecule, has
both anti-infective (suppressing bacterial growth and preventing viral particles from
scavenging free radicals) (Flanagan and Willcox, 2009). Like lactoferrin, lipocalin,
which is produced and secreted by lacrimal gland acinar cells also exhibits an anti-
bacterial function by interfering with free iron uptake (Dartt, 2011; Fluckinger et al.,
2004). Prevention of damaging infection and inflammation in the cornea is essential for
maintaining its clarity. Unlike the conjunctiva, the cornea poorly tolerates chronic
A). This antibody, secreted by plasma cells (terminally differentiated B cells), is taken up
by acinar cells and re-secreted in a more stable form complexed with secretory
component that can prevent adherence of pathogens to host epithelial cells. This has
Rodriguez et al., 2004; Lan et al., 1997) Use of mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to
evaluate protein profiles has elucidated the presence of β-defensins (hBD-2 and hBD-3)
however, they have been found to be upregulated following corneal surgery and in
chronic disease processes (Zhou et al., 2007; Zhou et al., 2004). S100 proteins which
inhibit bacterial adherence to mucosal epithelial cells have also been found in tears and
also increase in chronic inflammation (Garreis et al., 2010; Raquil et al., 2008; Zhou et
al., 2009a; Zhou et al., 2009b). A more extensive list of tear antimicrobial proteins is
7. Anti-inflammatory/antioxidant factors
receptor antagonist that binds the IL-1 receptor and inhibits IL-1 activity (Solomon et al.,
2001), and TGF-β2 and vitamin A and its metabolites that suppress maturation and
cytokine production by antigen presenting cells (Contreras-Ruiz and Masli, 2015; Lam
et al., 2009; Pflugfelder et al., 2008; Ubels et al., 1986; Xiao et al., 2018) There are a
number of antioxidants, including ascorbic acid, lactoferrin and cysteine, that scavenge
and protect the ocular surface against damage from free radicals (Ohashi et al., 2006).
Tear protease inhibitors include secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) that
inhibits serine proteases (e.g. plasmin, elastase, cathepsin G) and tissue inhibitors of
matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). (Corrales et al., 2006; Sathe et al., 1998; Sobrin et
al., 2000)
8. Summary
The tear film has a complex structure and composition that protects the cornea,
promotes wound healing after injury and maintains eye comfort and high-quality vision.
Altered tear composition and stability in DED causes eye irritation, corneal epithelial and
nerve disease and blurred vision. The ease of collecting tear fluid, identification of
relevant biomarkers in health and disease and more sensitive immunoassays that can
Figure 1. Tear film structure. Evidence suggests the tear film consists of membrane
associated mucins (MAM) such as MUC16 that form the glycocalyx on the apical
epithelium, a secretory mucus layer containing soluble MUC5AC mucin secreted by the
conjunctival goblet cells, aqueous fluid and electrolytes, and proteins secreted by the
lacrimal glands. The surface of the tears is covered with a lipid layer with polar lipids
adjacent to the aqueous layer and nonpolar lipids interfacing with the air.
Figure 2. Lacrimal Functional Unit (LFU). The LFU regulates the production, delivery
Anatomically, the LFU includes the main and accessory lacrimal glands, Meibomian
glands, conjunctival goblet cells, the surface epithelium, eye lids, lacrimal drainage
system, the glandular and mucosal immune system and the interconnecting innervation.
The neural component of the LFU consists of a reflexive loop starting at the highly
innervated cornea surface with afferent traffic to the central nervous system, including
the brainstem and cerebral cortex. These afferents project to secretory and motor
efferent nerves to drive tear production and blinking. The efferent pathways are found to
pathways maintain immune tone to defend the ocular surface from microbial infection.
ocular surface epithelial and immune cells (cytokine storm) that results in autoantigen
release, antigen presenting cell activation and migration to the lymph nodes and priming
of effector CD4+ T cells that can traffic to the ocular surface and can provide the
receptors.
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Table. Trophic and Wound Healing Factors
et al., 1996)
1999b)
1996)
Tervo, 1998)
epithelial proliferation
et al., 2002)
This review highlights the biological function of the tear film. The tear film has a complex
structure and composition that protects the cornea, promotes wound healing after injury
and maintains eye comfort and high-quality vision. Altered tear composition and stability
in dry eye cause eye inflammation, corneal disease and blurred vision.