Tear Film

A normal tear film consists of three layers. The outermost layer of the tear film is called the Oily Layer and is produced by the Meibomian Glands. This layer produces a smooth tear film and prevents it from evaporating too quickly. The middle layer is called the Aqueous layer is the watery layer that washes away debris from the eye's surface. It is produced by the Lacrimal Gland and is what we normally think of as tears. The innermost layer is called the Mucous Layer and is composed of mucous produced by the conjunctiva or the clear covering of the eye tissues. The Mucous Layer allows the normal tear film to stick to the surface of the eye. Your eyelids act to smooth the tear film and smooth it over the eye's surface each time you blink. This produces a smooth optical surface and clear vision. People who have Dry Eyes and do not have a smooth and regular tear film often have blurry vision from the lack of a smooth tear film.