The tear film has three layers that protect the eye, provide visual clarity, and moisturize the eye. A deficiency in tear film can cause dryness, irritation, and vision problems, which can be treated with eye drops or surgery. Ophthalmologists can diagnose and treat tear film problems.
The tear film is a layer of moisture that covers the eye. Technically, the tear film has three separate layers that work together to perform a variety of functions on the surface of the eye. People who fail to produce a tear film or fail to keep this protective layer intact can experience a variety of problems, including dry eye, characterized by excessive dryness of the eyes leading to irritation and vision problems.
The base layer of the tear film is the mucus layer, which helps the film adhere to the eye and ensures that it is distributed evenly. It is followed by an aqueous layer which is mostly water and a lipid layer which seals the tear film to prevent moisture loss. Together, these three layers protect the eye. Eyed animals blink several times a minute to refresh the tear film and keep it evenly distributed.
An important feature of this eye aspect is to create a totally smooth ocular surface. The cornea is actually slightly uneven, which would lead to distorted vision. The tear film increases visual clarity. This layer of material also inhibits infections, protects the eye from dust and other irritants by trapping and expressing them, and supplies necessary nutrients and oxygen to the cornea. It also works to continuously moisturize the eye.
People who suffer from a tear film deficiency may notice that their eyes feel dry and their vision is not clear. Sometimes, the irritation can cause excess tear production, which leads to watery eyes. Treatments for dry eye can include eye drops that replicate the tear film to keep the eyes comfortable and surgery for extreme cases. Sometimes drops are also needed for people with a thin tear film who wear contact lenses, as the eyes can feel dry without the drops.
Problems with tear production and tear film retention are usually identified and addressed by an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in eye care. She or he can examine the patient and run diagnostic tests to learn more about the nature of the problem. Some patients may be referred to a neurologist if there is concern that the lack of tear production is related to a problem with one of the nerves that innervate the eye. Some problems are congenital, while others can be acquired in response to trauma, disease, or environmental and occupational exposure.
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