Final answer:
Eye drops typically affect the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium found in the cornea or the smooth muscle in the iris that adjusts pupil size, with the epithelium being the most likely target.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of tissue affected by eye drops designed to interact with the structure of the eye would typically be the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. This tissue type is present in the cornea, which is the clear outermost layer of the eye. Eye drops usually operate at the surface level, affecting either the epithelium of the cornea or in the case of certain drugs, they may affect the smooth muscle found in the iris that controls the size of the pupil. The sclera, being predominantly composed of collagen and elastic fibers, is another potential site; however, it is not usually targeted by eye drops as it is not as exposed as the cornea. Based on the given options, the most likely tissue to be affected by eye drops is the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.