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Composition and Biophysical Properties of the Tear Film: Knowledge and Uncertainty

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Lacrimal Gland, Tear Film, and Dry Eye Syndromes

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 350))

Abstract

Although other authors in this Symposium volume will also cover the structure of the tear film, and the nature and origins of its components, it is worth mentioning the current picture briefly here, since our view of this will influence the nature and interpretation of biophysical studies on the tear film. Several different structural models have been presented over the years, but all agree on the principal components. Not all of these are produced by the lacrimal glands, so there may be considerable differences between the stable, unirritated precorneal tear film and that in non-equilibrium states such as lacrimation or progressive disease. This must always be borne in mind when studying the interactions of components or collecting fluid tears for other study or analysis. The actual collection technique is very important since results may vary according to whether the tears are reflexly stimulated or collected unstimulated from a quiescent eye.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6AW, UK

    John M. Tiffany

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  1. John M. Tiffany
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Schepens Eye Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

    David A. Sullivan

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Tiffany, J.M. (1994). Composition and Biophysical Properties of the Tear Film: Knowledge and Uncertainty. In: Sullivan, D.A. (eds) Lacrimal Gland, Tear Film, and Dry Eye Syndromes. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 350. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2417-5_40

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2417-5_40

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-6025-4

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