What is the antiseptic property of tears?

1 Answer
Mar 10, 2018

Tears are an innate defence system of the eye providing protection against a range of potential pathogens.

Explanation:

The tear film coats the cornea and conjunctiva and serves several important functions.

Tears like all mucosal fluids, contain a plethora of molecules with known antimicrobial effects. In addition to effects on pathogen growth and survival some tear components prevent epithelial cell invasion and promote the epithelial expression of innate defense molecules.

Antimicrobial compounds found in tears include lysozymes and recently identified members of the cationic anti microbial peptide family and surfactant protein - D as well as potential new molecules that may contribute to antimicrobial protection. However these compounds may be influenced by other tear components such as the ionic environment.

There are many studies showing additive interactions between several of the tear antimicrobials and it is highly likely that cooperativity between molecules is the primary way tears are able to afford significant antimicrobial protection to the ocular surface in vivo.