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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Inducement and Evaluation of a Murine Model of Experimental Myopia
Published on: January 22, 2019
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Gut Microbiota Profiles in Myopes and Nonmyopes
Wan E W Omar1,2, Gurdeep Singh1, Andrew J McBain1
1Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|May 1, 2024
Summary
Myopia is linked to specific gut bacteria, including those affecting dopamine and GABA. This suggests the gut microbiome may play a role in myopia development and progression.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
Background:
- Myopia, a common vision disorder, has complex etiological factors.
- The gut microbiome's influence on systemic health is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the gut microbiome composition between non-myopes and myopes.
- To explore the potential role of the gut microbiome in myopia onset and progression.
Main Methods:
- Faecal samples from 52 adult participants (23 non-myopes, 8 progressive myopes, 21 stable myopes) were analyzed.
- 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was employed to characterize gut microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in alpha and beta diversity were observed between groups.
- Myopes showed higher abundances of Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, and other genera compared to non-myopes.
- Specific bacteria linked to dopaminergic signaling and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production were more prevalent in myopes.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome, particularly bacteria influencing dopamine and GABA, may be implicated in myopia.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and myopia.
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