During the past several decades, a significant international research effort has been directed towards understanding the composition and regulation of the preocular tear film. This effort has been motivated by the recognition that the tear film plays a critical role in maintaining corneal and conjunctival integrity, protecting against microbial challenge and preserving visual acuity. In addition, research has been stimulated by the knowledge that alteration or deficiency of the tear film, which occurs in numerous individuals throughout the world, may lead to desiccation of the ocular surface,...

During the past decade a significant international research effort has been directed towards understanding the composition and regulation of the preocular tear film. This effort has been motivated by the recognition that the tear film plays an essential role in maintaining corneal and conjunctival integrity, protecting against microbial challenge and preserving visual acuity. In addition, research has been stimulated by the knowledge that alteration or deficiency of the tear film, which occurs in countless individuals throughout the world, may lead to desiccation of the ocular surface,...

During the past two decades, a significant international research effort has been di- rected toward understanding the composition and regulation of the preocular tear film. This effort has been motivated by the recognition that the tear film plays an essential role in maintaining corneal and conjunctival integrity, protecting against microbial challenge, and preserving visual acuity. In addition, research has been stimulated by the knowledge that alteration or deficiency of the tear film, which occurs in countless individuals throughout the world, may lead to desiccation of the ocular...

During the past decade a significant international research effort has been directed towards understanding the composition and regulation of the preocular tear film. This effort has been motivated by the recognition that the tear film plays an essential role in maintaining corneal and conjunctival integrity, protecting against microbial challenge and preserving visual acuity. In addition, research has been stimulated by the knowledge that alteration or deficiency of the tear film, which occurs in countless individuals throughout the world, may lead to desiccation of the ocular surface,...

During the past several decades, a significant international research effort has been directed towards understanding the composition and regulation of the preocular tear film. This effort has been motivated by the recognition that the tear film plays a critical role in maintaining corneal and conjunctival integrity, protecting against microbial challenge and preserving visual acuity. In addition, research has been stimulated by the knowledge that alteration or deficiency of the tear film, which occurs in numerous individuals throughout the world, may lead to desiccation of the ocular surface,...