Work

The Ocular Surface: The Challenge to Enable and Protect Vision

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: The surface of the eye is an extraordinary and vital component of vision. The smooth, wet surface of the cornea is the major refractive surface of the visual system, which, along with corneal transparency, enables light to proceed through the lens and onto the retina for photoreceptor activation. The presence of the smooth, wet refractive ocular surface required for vision comes, however, at a cost. Unlike all other wetsurfaced epithelia of the body, the ocular surface is directly exposed to the outside world where it is especially subject to desiccation, injury, and pathogens. As a consequence, numerous protective mechanisms are provided by the Ocular Surface System, to ensure vision. The Ocular Surface System Maintenance and protection of the smooth refractive surface of the cornea is the function of the Ocular Surface System (Fig.

Source: Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

DOI: 10.1167/iovs.07-0770

Author: Ilene K. Gipson

Institution: Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Ocular Surface and Contact Lens

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,850

Funder: National Eye Institute