Title : Eyes and guts connection: Microbiomes and their role in ocular health
Abstract:
The human microbiome, particularly the gut microbiota, has been increasingly recognized for its profound impact on overall health, including ocular health. This abstract explores the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the eye, highlighting emerging research that suggests a bidirectional communication known as the "gut-eye axis." This axis implicates the gut microbiota in modulating immune responses that affect the eye, potentially contributing to or mitigating various eye diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that imbalances in gut microbial communities are associated with inflammatory ocular conditions such as uveitis, dry eye syndrome, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These findings suggest that microbial metabolites or immune modulators produced in the gut can travel systemically and influence inflammatory processes in the ocular environment. For example, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are byproducts of bacterial fermentation, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially protect against ocular inflammation. Furthermore, the review delves into the potential of probiotics and dietary interventions aimed at modulating the gut microbiome to prevent or alleviate ocular diseases. It also discusses the challenges in translating these findings into clinical practice, including the need for more precise characterization of microbiome profiles and their direct impacts on eye health. This exploration underscores the importance of further research into the gut-eye axis, proposing that understanding and manipulating the gut microbiome may open new avenues for preventing and managing eye diseases. Such insights could lead to innovative and holistic approaches in ocular healthcare, emphasizing the role of gut health in maintaining visual wellness.
