Radical oxidation of tear film – development of dry eye disease.

The proposal seeks to continue a series of experiments investigating the interaction between atmospheric radicals and the aqueous lipid covered layer protecting mammalian eyes. Eyes are one of the most exposed mucosal interfaces on mammals and oxidation of the film may result in dry eye disease. We wish to demonstrate that the morphology of partially deuterated proxy tear film mixtures changes with exposure to an atmospheric radical oxidant, OH radical. The work will also continue to test if human tear film harvested from the experimenters and placed at the air-water interface has enough contrast to be visible on INTER.