Mucins play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality and stability of the tear film. Alterations in the expression of membrane-bound mucins on corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells and/or gel-forming mucin secretion by goblet cells (GCs) promote ocular surface diseases (OSDs) and dry eye disease (DED).
These shifts within the mucin layer can result in increased tear evaporation, contributing to elevated tear hyperosmolarity, a factor closely linked to ocular surface inflammation. This infographic underscores the significance of mucins in preserving ocular health and the association of their dysfunction with DED.