On the in vivo assessment of goblet cells of the human bulbar conjunctiva by confocal microscopy – A review

The human bulbar conjunctiva in healthy eyes is a non-stratified secretory epithelium that includes abundant numbers of goblet cells [1]. Goblet cells within the bulbar conjunctiva are therefore generally considered to be the major source of the mucus (mucin)-containing layer of the pre-corneal tear film, a layer that contributes to the stability of the tear film [2]. In histological examination by light microscopy of tissue sections, some of the goblet cells can be seen to be in contact with the conjunctival surface [1], and the actual openings at their apical ends onto the conjunctival surface can be viewed by scanning electron microscopy-based imaging of excised conjunctival specimens [3].

Source: Contact Lens and Anterior Eye - January 14, 2020 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Michael J. Doughty Tags: Review article Source Type: research