In recent years, medical research related to microbiome analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has undergone remarkable progress. The foremost area of this progress has been in the analysis and characterization of the gut microbiome. The relationship between the gut microbiome and various pathologies in organs other than the digestive system has also been established. Microbiome analysis using NGS technology has become mainstream in biomedical and ecological research, including within the field of ophthalmology.
As of 2020, there has been a significant increase in microbiome analysis in ophthalmology. Regarding intraocular inflammatory diseases for example, a relationship between the gut microbiome and uveitis has been demonstrated. This is however a field where further research is still required in the hope of improving diagnostic techniques in ocular diseases, and for the development of novel targeted microbiome-based interventions.
Although NGS analysis of ophthalmic clinical specimens and the analysis of the ocular surface microbiome is improving - there still remains no established theory on the true ocular surface microbiome as the ocular surface is basically colonized with small numbers of microorganisms. Since NGS analysis is becoming exceedingly sensitive, contamination at the time of the sample collection can significantly impact the results. It would be desirable to conduct collaborative studies with multiple institutions to standardize specimen collection and preparation methods. Through better standardization the relationship between the ocular surface microbiome in health and disease, as well as in treatment or routine use of ophthalmic solutions, may lead to a better understanding of the management and clinical course of disease.
In the future, the analysis of ophthalmic specimens with relatively higher microbial content other than the ocular surface, such as lacrimal sac secretions or contact lens storage cases, would be better served.
The aim of this Research Topic is to investigate the relationship between eye diseases and the microbiome and to elucidate the impact of treatment on the ocular and/or gut microbiome. We welcome original research, reviews, and mini reviews on but not limited to the following topics:
1) The role of the gut microbiome in ocular diseases.
2) Characterization of the true ocular surface microbiome.
3) Differences in the ocular surface microbiome in healthy subjects and in patients with various pathologies.
4) Impacts of ophthalmic solutions and contact lens wear on the ocular surface microbiome.
5) Differences between the lacrimal sac microbiome in healthy subjects and in dacryocystitis.
6) The impact of the microbiota on viral infections of the eye and keratitis.
Dr. Eguchi receives financial support from Novartis and Alcon. The other topic editors declare no conflict of interests with regards to the Research Topic theme.
In recent years, medical research related to microbiome analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has undergone remarkable progress. The foremost area of this progress has been in the analysis and characterization of the gut microbiome. The relationship between the gut microbiome and various pathologies in organs other than the digestive system has also been established. Microbiome analysis using NGS technology has become mainstream in biomedical and ecological research, including within the field of ophthalmology.
As of 2020, there has been a significant increase in microbiome analysis in ophthalmology. Regarding intraocular inflammatory diseases for example, a relationship between the gut microbiome and uveitis has been demonstrated. This is however a field where further research is still required in the hope of improving diagnostic techniques in ocular diseases, and for the development of novel targeted microbiome-based interventions.
Although NGS analysis of ophthalmic clinical specimens and the analysis of the ocular surface microbiome is improving - there still remains no established theory on the true ocular surface microbiome as the ocular surface is basically colonized with small numbers of microorganisms. Since NGS analysis is becoming exceedingly sensitive, contamination at the time of the sample collection can significantly impact the results. It would be desirable to conduct collaborative studies with multiple institutions to standardize specimen collection and preparation methods. Through better standardization the relationship between the ocular surface microbiome in health and disease, as well as in treatment or routine use of ophthalmic solutions, may lead to a better understanding of the management and clinical course of disease.
In the future, the analysis of ophthalmic specimens with relatively higher microbial content other than the ocular surface, such as lacrimal sac secretions or contact lens storage cases, would be better served.
The aim of this Research Topic is to investigate the relationship between eye diseases and the microbiome and to elucidate the impact of treatment on the ocular and/or gut microbiome. We welcome original research, reviews, and mini reviews on but not limited to the following topics:
1) The role of the gut microbiome in ocular diseases.
2) Characterization of the true ocular surface microbiome.
3) Differences in the ocular surface microbiome in healthy subjects and in patients with various pathologies.
4) Impacts of ophthalmic solutions and contact lens wear on the ocular surface microbiome.
5) Differences between the lacrimal sac microbiome in healthy subjects and in dacryocystitis.
6) The impact of the microbiota on viral infections of the eye and keratitis.
Dr. Eguchi receives financial support from Novartis and Alcon. The other topic editors declare no conflict of interests with regards to the Research Topic theme.
