A model for wetting and evaporation of a post-blink precorneal tear film*

We examine a one-dimensional hydrodynamic model derived using lubrication theory for the evolution of a post-blink precorneal tear film that includes evaporation of the aqueous layer and a wetting corneal surface. The evaporation model includes the effects of conjoining pressure and predicts the existence of an equilibrium adsorbed fluid layer that serves as a model for a wetting corneal surface/mucin layer. The dewetting rates predicted by the model are in qualitative agreement with experimental measurements.