Systems and methods are provided for generating and applying artificial tear film layers to a cornea surface. An example method includes forming an artificial tear film that is optically transparent, ultra-thin, and smoothly conforming to cornea surface. The artificial tear film includes a lipid layer that prevents evaporation of moisture from the cornea (e.g., from the underlying aqueous layer of the artificial tear film, and/or from the natural tear film on the cornea, etc.). A dispenser, such as an atomizer/nebulizer/micronizer, can be used to generate and applying the artificial tear film layers, especially the lipid layer, with reduced dispensing volume and average droplet size, etc., such that the deposit thickness of the artificial tear film layers remains thin and better spreads and conforms to the surface of the cornea, as compared to the results of conventional eye droppers dispensing conventional artificial tears.