Role of the tear film in the optical quality of the human eye.

This paper reviews recent studies of the role of the tear film in the optical quality of the eye. Recent investigations focus on the dynamics of the tear film after a blink and its important role in the optical quality of the eye. The results in this review were used in an attempt to understand the optical and visual impact of tear-film breakup in normal eyes and dry eyes. It was noted that patients with dry-eye syndrome have large optical aberrations compared with those in normal eyes, which may be the cause of blurry vision associated with the syndrome. In addition, instillation of artificial tears reduces optical aberrations and thus improves the optical quality of vision in these patients.