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The contribution of lipid layer movement to tear film thinning and breakup
Published
Author(s)
Geoffrey B. McFadden, Christopher Smith, Barbara A. Fink, Jason J. Nichols, Richard J. Braun
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the origin of the tear film thinning between blinks, which can lead to tear film breakup and ocular surface damage. Two mechanisms of thinning are considered: "tangential flow" of the tear film along the surface of the cornea, and evaporation. Tangential flow was studied by measuring the movement of the lipid layer which causes a corresponding motion of the aqueous tears.
McFadden, G.
, Smith, C.
, Fink, B.
, Nichols, J.
and Braun, R.
(2009),
The contribution of lipid layer movement to tear film thinning and breakup, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
(Accessed October 11, 2025)