Microbiome, Eye

Synonyms

Ocular microbiome; Ocular microbiota

Introduction

Similar to other mucosal sites, the ocular surface is colonized by microbial communities. For over a century, clinicians have employed culturing methods to identify bacteria responsible for infections of the ocular surface. However, these cultures frequently revealed the commensal bacteria colonizing the eye. The bacterial populations of the eye resemble those of the skin and upper respiratory tract, with Staphylococcus species being the most commonly identified microorganisms (McClellan 1997; Brinser and Burd 2001; Miller and Iovieno 2009). The microbiome of the eye has been observed to change with age and is highly dependent on climate and locale, although seasonal changes are not observed (Brinser and Burd 2001). A better understanding of the normal bacteria colonizing the ocular surface will provide clinicians with resources to improve diagnoses of ocular infections and diseases.

The Ocular Surface

The eye is generally...