The Microbiome and Ocular-Related Research

The gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in digestion, nutrient metabolism, barrier function, and immune regulation. Disruption of this microbial balance—termed dysbiosis—has been associated with numerous chronic diseases, and emerging evidence now implicates the gut microbiome in ocular health through what has been termed the gut–eye axis. This review examines the current literature regarding the relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and two significant ocular conditions: autoimmune uveitis and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Both human metagenomic studies and murine models have identified distinct microbiome differences between affected individuals and healthy controls, with various proposed mechanisms. 1 , 2 Given that modifiable lifestyle factors significantly influence both AMD and uveitis risk, understanding the gut–eye axis may open new avenues for prevention and treatment of ocular disease. The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence linking gut dysbiosis to uveitis and age-related macular degeneration and to demonstrate why eye care professionals must remain current with this rapidly evolving field.