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Mucosal defense of the outer eye
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Sydney Eye Hospital, Australia.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|December 24, 1997
Summary
The outer eye is protected from infection by a combination of mechanical, anatomical, immunological, and microbiological defenses. These include blinking, tear components, and the conjunctiva
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- The outer eye possesses multiple defense mechanisms against infection.
- These defenses involve physical barriers, chemical components, and microbial interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the multifaceted factors contributing to ocular surface defense.
- To highlight the interplay between mechanical, immunological, and microbiological protective elements.
Main Methods:
- Review of established knowledge on ocular surface protection.
- Synthesis of information regarding mechanical, anatomical, immunological, and microbiological factors.
Main Results:
- Mechanical factors: intact conjunctiva/cornea, eyelid blinking.
- Immunological factors: tear components (lysozyme, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, betalysin).
- Microbiological factors: normal conjunctival flora inhibiting pathogens; link to common mucosal immune system.
Conclusions:
- Ocular surface defense is a complex system involving multiple integrated factors.
- The relative importance of each factor in preventing eye infection requires further elucidation.