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Review
. 2022 Jun;7(1):e000956.
doi: 10.1136/bmjophth-2021-000956.

Microbiome and immune-mediated dry eye: a review

Arjun Watane  1 , Shyamal Raolji  2 , Kara Cavuoto  2 , Anat Galor  3
Affiliations
Review

Microbiome and immune-mediated dry eye: a review

Arjun Watane et al. BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2022 Jun.

Abstract

In this review, we aim to summarise key articles that explore relationships between the gut and ocular surface microbiomes (OSMs) and immune-mediated dry eye. The gut microbiome has been linked to the immune system by way of stimulating or mitigating a proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory lymphocyte response, which may play a role in the severity of autoimmune diseases. Although the 'normal' gut microbiome varies among individuals and demographics, certain autoimmune diseases have been associated with characteristic gut microbiome changes. Less information is available on relationships between the OSM and dry eye. However, microbiome manipulation in multiple compartments has emerged as a therapeutic strategy, via diet, prebiotics and probiotics and faecal microbial transplant, in individuals with various autoimmune diseases, including immune-mediated dry eye.

Keywords: Microbiology; Ocular surface.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagram illustrating the search and filter strategy.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reported relationships between gut bacteria, immune markers, and signs of dry eye disease.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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