Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Conjunctival Commensal Isolation and Identification in Mice
07:52

Conjunctival Commensal Isolation and Identification in Mice

Published on: May 1, 2021

Gut microbiota and pediatric eye diseases: current insights, mechanistic underpinnings, and future outlook

Gang Chen1, Yulin Zhang2, Yixia Zhang1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Dali, China.

Frontiers in Nutrition
|May 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Early gut microbiota disruptions can impact childhood eye development and visual function. This review explores the gut-eye axis connection in pediatric eye diseases, offering insights for early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric health

Background:

  • The gut microbiota is crucial for immune, metabolic, and neural functions.
  • Gut dysbiosis is linked to adult ophthalmic disorders.
  • Childhood is a key period for gut microbial and ocular development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the link between gut microbiota and pediatric eye diseases.
  • To examine conditions like allergic conjunctivitis, myopia, retinopathy of prematurity, and postoperative inflammation.
  • To understand the gut-eye axis in children.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative literature review.
  • Searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus (2000-2025).
  • Focused on gut microbiota and pediatric ophthalmic diseases.

Main Results:

  • Emerging associations between gut dysbiosis and pediatric eye conditions.
  • Identified immune dysregulation, metabolite imbalance, and barrier dysfunction as key pathways.
  • Highlighted the gut-eye axis in pediatric populations.

Conclusions:

  • Early gut microbiota disruptions may affect long-term ocular health.
  • Provides insights into the etiology and management of pediatric eye diseases.
  • Supports the need for early intervention and precision management.
Abstract

Keywords:
gut microbiotagut-eye axisimmune inflammationmicrobiota-based interventionspediatric ophthalmic diseasesvisual development

More Related Videos

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers07:18

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers

Published on: January 9, 2026

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing11:22

Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing

Published on: October 15, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
Introduction to the Human Microbiota01:22

Introduction to the Human Microbiota

Microorganisms colonize various regions of the human body, including the mouth, nasal passages, throat, stomach, intestines, urogenital tract, and skin. The total number of microbial cells is estimated to range from 10¹³ to 10¹⁴—comparable to, or exceeding, the number of human somatic cells. This host–microbiome relationship has led to the conceptualization of humans as supraorganisms, wherein microbial communities perform vital roles in development, immunity, and disease...