ABSTRACT
The normal conjunctiva and cornea are protected by a triple-layered tear film comprising an outer oily layer from the meibomian glands, an aqueous layer from lacrimal glands, and an inner layer of mucus, derived chiefly from conjunctival goblet cells. Blinking maintains the integrity of this protective layer. The goblet cells and subsurface vesicles of the conjunctiva create the deep mucus layer of the tear film, which is anchored to the ocular surface glycocalyx.
