The Last Frontier of the Tear Film (Maybe): The Mucin Layer

My previous post on this issue is still worth reading as there is still more that needs to be understood about the Mucin Layer of the Tear Film: the other parts being the oil (from the Meibomian Gland) and the water/aqueous (from the Lacrimal Gland). 

There is a race to understand the conjunctiva's goblet cells, their full function, the role of mucin in dry eye symptoms. The conjunctiva is the partly clear covering over the white part of the eye. There is also a race to find ways to stimulate the goblet cells to produce more mucin on the conjunctiva and in other parts of the body, such as the trachea, bronchi, and larger bronchioles in the respiratory tract, small intestines, the large intestine, and conjunctiva 

The conjunctival goblet cells are highly specialized epithelial that produce and secrete mucins, which hydrate and lubricate mucosal surfaces.

What are activities that likely damage the mucin layer:

1. Aging, UV/sun exposure, genetics, inflammation

2. Rubbing the eye chronically

3. Contact lenses: even PROSE

4. Allergic conjunctivitis: chronic

5. Dry eye disease

6. Chronic pool water/chlorine: use googles always; do not open eyes underwater frequently

7. Autoimmune Diseases: Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogrens, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's, etc.

8. Very Theoretical: will take likely years to prove this one but I think.....Excessive Electronic Screen time affects goblet cell function: this is a stretch & there are no studies to prove this, but likely through decreased blink rate & possible blue light exposure.

What heals Goblet Cells:

1. your own Platelet-rich plasma.

2. Cord Blood Serum

3. Wharton's Jelly likely does as well