Tränenfilmoberfläche

Tränenfilmoberfläche refers to the outermost layer of the tear film that covers the surface of the eye. This thin, continuous layer is crucial for maintaining ocular health and clear vision. It is composed of three distinct layers: a lipid layer, an aqueous layer, and a mucin layer.

The lipid layer, the outermost and thinnest, is secreted by the meibomian glands in the eyelids. Its primary function is to prevent rapid evaporation of the underlying aqueous layer, thereby stabilizing the tear film and providing a smooth optical surface.

Beneath the lipid layer lies the thickest component, the aqueous layer, produced by the lacrimal glands. This watery layer provides hydration, oxygen, and nutrients to the avascular cornea. It also contains essential components like electrolytes, antibodies, and proteins that protect the eye from infection and lubricate its surface.

The innermost layer, the mucin layer, is produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva. This gel-like substance adheres to the corneal epithelium, facilitating the spreading of the aqueous layer and creating a hydrophilic surface that allows the tear film to adhere to the eye.

The integrity and proper function of the Tränenfilmoberfläche are vital. Disruptions to any of these layers can lead to a condition known as dry eye disease, characterized by symptoms such as dryness, grittiness, burning, and blurred vision. Maintaining a healthy Tränenfilmoberfläche is essential for comfortable and functional vision.