Objectives: Upon completion of this conference the resident/student should be able to describe:

 • Structure of the tear film

• Main components of the tear films and their physiological functions

• The origin of the tear film components and an overview of the mechanisms of their secretion.

• Causes of tear dysfunctions

• Basic structural of corneal epithelial cells and tissue

• Process of corneal epithelial renewal

• Cellular structures critical to corneal epithelial functions and integrity.

•  Physical basis for stromal transparency

•  Physiological role of the endothelium in maintenance of transparency

Assignment: Please read "Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology, Chaptes 7-8

and the attachments