Illustration of a hydrated eye transforming a dry landscape.

Unlocking the Secrets of Eye Hydration: The Science of Mucins and Dry Eye Relief

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how understanding the role of mucins, particularly MUC5AC, can revolutionize dry eye treatment and improve your ocular health."

Our eyes, constantly exposed to the environment, rely on a delicate tear film to stay lubricated and protected. This tear film isn't just water; it's a complex mixture containing essential components, including mucins. Mucins are large, sugar-rich glycoproteins that play a vital role in maintaining eye health.

Among the various types of mucins, secreted mucins are particularly important. These mucins, especially MUC5AC, are produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. They act like molecular sponges, holding water and creating a smooth, hydrated surface for clear vision and comfortable blinking.

When mucin production is compromised, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to dry eye disease. This condition affects millions worldwide, causing discomfort, blurred vision, and potential damage to the ocular surface. Understanding the science of mucins is key to unlocking effective treatments and maintaining optimal eye health.

Why MUC5AC is Your Eye's Best Friend

Illustration of a hydrated eye transforming a dry landscape.

MUC5AC is the most abundant secreted mucin on the ocular surface, acting as a primary component of the tear film's gel-like structure. Goblet cells, scattered throughout the conjunctiva, release MUC5AC to ensure even distribution of moisture across the eye. This distribution is especially concentrated in areas prone to friction, such as the fornix (the pocket where the eyelid meets the eyeball) and the lid wiper (the edge of the eyelid that spreads the tear film).

When goblet cells are reduced in number or function, the MUC5AC layer thins, leading to tear film instability and dry eye symptoms. This reduction can stem from various factors, including:

Aging: Natural decline in goblet cell function.
Dry Eye Disease: Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome directly impact tear production and mucin secretion.
Inflammation: Allergic reactions or other inflammatory conditions can damage goblet cells.
Environmental Factors: Prolonged screen time, dry climates, and contact lens use can exacerbate dry eye.

Fortunately, advancements in dry eye research have led to innovative therapies that target mucin production and goblet cell health. These treatments aim to restore the natural balance of the ocular surface, providing lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.

The Future of Dry Eye Treatment: Focusing on Mucins

As research continues to unravel the complexities of the tear film and the role of mucins, the future of dry eye treatment looks promising. New optical systems are being developed to detect mucin distribution, allowing for more precise diagnoses and targeted therapies. By focusing on restoring mucin production and maintaining a healthy ocular surface, we can pave the way for lasting relief and improved quality of life for those suffering from dry eye disease.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1167/iovs.17-23623, Alternate LINK

Title: Secreted Mucins On The Ocular Surface

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science

Publisher: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)

Authors: Yuichi Hori

Published: 2018-11-27

Everything You Need To Know

What is the significance of the tear film and mucins for eye health?

The tear film is a crucial component of eye health, and it's far more than just water. It's a complex mixture that includes mucins. Mucins are large, sugar-rich glycoproteins, that are essential for maintaining a healthy ocular surface. They are vital for lubrication and protection of the eye.

What role does MUC5AC play in maintaining eye health?

MUC5AC is the most abundant secreted mucin on the ocular surface. It's a primary component of the tear film's gel-like structure. It helps ensure even distribution of moisture across the eye, especially in areas like the fornix and the lid wiper, preventing friction and maintaining clear vision. Its importance is directly tied to the functionality of the goblet cells.

How are goblet cells related to MUC5AC and eye health?

Goblet cells are the producers of MUC5AC. They are found in the conjunctiva and are responsible for releasing MUC5AC to create a smooth, hydrated surface. When goblet cell function decreases, it impacts MUC5AC production. This can lead to tear film instability and the onset of dry eye symptoms. Factors like aging, dry eye disease, inflammation, and environmental factors can lead to goblet cell dysfunction.

What is the relationship between mucins and dry eye disease?

Dry eye disease occurs when there is a disruption to the tear film. This instability can result from insufficient mucin production, particularly MUC5AC. This leads to symptoms like discomfort, blurred vision, and potential damage to the ocular surface. A stable tear film, supported by a healthy level of mucins, is essential to combatting the effects of dry eye.

What are some of the future advancements in dry eye treatment that involve mucins?

Current and future treatments for dry eye are increasingly focused on mucins. Advanced therapies are targeting mucin production and promoting goblet cell health. Moreover, new diagnostic tools are in development, such as optical systems, which will improve diagnoses by better detecting mucin distribution. The aim is to restore the natural balance of the ocular surface, which should lead to relief from dry eye symptoms and an improved quality of life.