SYSTANE(R) Lubricant Eye Drops: The Role of the Epithelial Glycocalyx.


Home Dry Eye Cascade Signs & Symptoms Tear Break-Up Time Ocular Protection Index Tear Film Structure The Role of Glycocalyx How Instability Occurs How SYSTANE^® Works SYSTANE^® Clinical Data Head to Head Study SYSTANE^® extends TFBUT Study Summary Consumers & Patients Return to Introduction	The Role of the Epithelial Glycocalyx Glycocalyx are long chain molecules formed by corneal cells that help hold mucin to the corneal surface. Holding mucin to the ocular surface creates a water attraction, as well as protection against bacterial pathogens.¹ Since the corneal surface is naturally water repellent, damage to glycocalyx and corneal surface cells may be caused by insufficient mucin. This can cause the tear film to destabilize and break up before a blink can occur, exposing the injured cornea to the air and bacterial pathogens. Korb, D.R., Craig, J., Doughty, M., Guillon, J., Smith, G., Tomlinson, A. The Tear Film: Structure, Function and Clinical Examination. BCLA, 2002.
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