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Latest note on dry eye treatment with probiotics.

Latest note on dry eye treatment with probiotics.

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Dry eye, a disorder in which the eyes are unable to sufficiently lubricate themselves, affects about 12% of the world’s population. The dry eye condition is now incurable.

Researchers from Houston, Texas’ Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a probiotic bacterial strain that enhanced dry eye in a mouse model.

Dry eye is a disorder where the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them adequately lubricated, resulting in pain, and affects about 12% of the world’s population.

The symptoms of dry eye disease can be managed with a variety of treatments even if there is currently no cure for the condition.

These remedies include over-the-counter eye drops, prescription drugs, and surgical procedures including inserting punctual plugs into the tear ducts of the eye.

Currently, scientists from Houston, Texas Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a probiotic bacterial strain that enhanced dry eye using a mouse model.

Dry eye: what is it?

Even though most people equate tears with sobbing, healthy eyes constantly generate tears. These tears, collectively referred to as the tear film, lubricate the eye, clear away any foreign objects, and shield the eyes from infection as a person blinks.

Dry eye illness can occasionally be brought on by an individual’s eyes not producing enough natural tears. There are several causes for this, including:

  • an issue with the tear film
  • tears that dry up too soon
  • age greater than 50
  • taking specific prescription drugs, like antihistamines
  • environmental problems such as wind, smoke, and arid weather
  • eyelid abnormality
  • prolonged use of contact lenses

having certain illnesses, such as thyroid problems, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or Sjögren’s syndrome.

Dry eye disease symptoms include:

  • feeling of stinging, stinging, or scratchiness in your eyes
  • like there is something in your eye
  • mucous around or in the eyes
  • sensitivity to light
  • inflamed or red eyes
  • Using contact lenses is challenging
  • fuzzy vision
  • eyes that are very wet.

Dry eye can result in eye infections and even damage to the cornea if it is not properly recognized and treated. Severe corneal injury may possibly result in visual loss.

The tummy and dry eyes

Previous studies suggest that dietary modifications may help manage dry eye in addition to medication interventions.

Omega-3 supplements dramatically reduced the symptoms and indicators of dry eye disease in patients with the condition, according to a 2019 study.

In 2019, another study found that giving persons with dry eye conditions short-term vitamin A supplements helped to improve the quality of their tears.

Finding innovative treatments for dry eye is crucial, according to Dr. Laura Schaefer, assistant professor of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and study’s lead author.

Only a few medications are now available to treat dry eye, and for some individuals, these medications do not perform very well to alleviate symptoms, she explained. In the U.S., dry eye affects about 1 in 20 people.

Since their prior research demonstrated a functional connection between gut bacteria and the symptoms of dry eye disease, Dr. Schaefer said she and her team chose to concentrate on studying a probiotic bacterial strain in the gut to treat dry eye.

She explained, “We conducted a number of trials utilising gut bacteria taken from Sjögren syndrome patients who have severe dry eye, from healthy patients with no eye disease. In dry settings, mice colonised with gut bacteria from Sjögren patients exhibit worse dry eye symptoms than mice colonised with gut bacteria from healthy patients.

“This suggests that the gut bacteria from healthy people protect the surface of the eye in dry conditions, and therefore one possible treatment avenue for dry eye would be probiotic bacteria that have similar protective effects,” Dr. Schaefer continued.

Probiotic bacteria research for dry eye

Dr. Schaefer and her team used a mouse model of dry eye for this study. First, mice received an antibiotic to eradicate “good” bacteria from their digestive tracts. After that, they were given either the probiotic bacterial strain Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 or a saline solution as a control before being placed in extremely dry conditions.

After 5 days, researchers discovered that mice fed the probiotic bacterial strain had ocular surfaces that were healthier and more intact than mice given saline fluid.

The mice given the probiotic bacteria also had more goblet cells in the tissue of their eyes. The cells known as goblet cells are responsible for producing mucin, a crucial component of tears.

“Our hypothesis was that the probiotic would be protective of the eye, and it was exciting to prove that is true,” stated Dr. Schaefer. It has been demonstrated via extensive research that the probiotic strain DSM17938 reduces inflammation in other tissues, most notably the gut, and enhances intestinal barrier function. However, it hasn’t previously been assessed in relation to the eye.

Future therapeutic options

We also discussed this study, in which he was not engaged, with Dr. Benjamin Bert, an ophthalmologist at Memorial Care Orange Coast Medical Centre in Fountain Valley, California.

“It was actually a pretty fascinating study to see the multi-components that are involved with both our understanding of the dry eye and then also our future abilities to treat dry eye,” he said.

Taking supplements, such as omega-3 supplements, has previously been found to be helpful for treating people with particular forms of dry eye. So it’s exciting to consider the gut microbiome as a potential therapy target, Dr. Bert said.

He explained that since this study was conducted using a mouse model, a human study would be required as the next phase in the investigation.

“It would be really interesting to see this used as a supplement in a human trial to really prove what their hypothesis is, of this being a significant benefit or a possible treatment that could be used for patients with dry eye,” he continued.

REFRENCES:

For Eye disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=63

Eyedrops Could Prevent Nearsightedness in Kids

Eyedrops Could Prevent Nearsightedness in Kids

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According to new research, eye drops frequently administered before to eye tests may prevent toddlers from becoming nearsighted.

Eye muscles are relaxed and the pupils are dilated with atropine eye drops. Myopia, or nearsightedness, could be avoided in youngsters by using a low concentration, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Most Americans—about one-third of them—are nearsighted. Due to people spending more time indoors and staring at screens, The Wall Street Journal predicted the number will rise to about 60% in 30 years. Myopia that is too severe can cause cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.

Myopia, according to physicians, happens when the eyeball lengthens and light entering the eye can no longer reach the retina in the rear of the eye. The necessity for spectacles or contact lenses, which work by reflecting light back onto the retina, results from this.

According to Nimesh Patel of Harvard Medical School, who was not involved in the study, atropine drops prevent people from seeing what is right in front of them. The exact mechanism by which the drops prevent nearsightedness is unknown, he claimed.

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness )?

Myopia, a disease that affects many people, causes near objects to appear clear while far distant objects to appear blurry. It happens when light rays incorrectly bend (refract) due to the shape of the eye or specific portions of the eye. Light rays are focused in front of the retina, which is where they should be directed to illuminate the retina, the nerve tissue at the rear of the eye.

Between the ages of 20 and 40, nearsightedness typically becomes more stable after developing during childhood and adolescence. As a rule, myopia runs in families.

Nearsightedness can be verified by a simple eye checkup. You can use eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery to correct your hazy vision.

How can eye drops improve vision in myopia?

Myopia sufferers cannot experience an immediate eyesight improvement from eye drops. However, studies have shown that over time, low-dose atropine eye drops can enhance vision. They can thereby stop the progression of myopia in youngsters. These drops can help slow the progression of myopia, lowering the risk of progressive myopia, a condition that can impair vision.

Children who have progressive myopia, or nearsightedness, need a stronger prescription at each checkup. High myopia is frequently developed in people with progressive myopia. Furthermore, when individuals become older, this may increase the chance of problems that could endanger their vision. The progression of myopia can occasionally be slowed down by using methods like myopia control contact lenses or spectacles.

Although these are excellent choices, some kids could feel uncomfortable wearing these specialised lenses. It might be simpler for these kids to receive atropine eye drops everyday just before bed.

Additionally, some eye specialists could suggest a combination of low-dose atropine eye drops along with myopia-controlling contacts or spectacles. This may be a comprehensive strategy for managing myopia.

Importance to slow down myopia progression

The likelihood of having good vision in the future can be increased by stopping the growth of myopia. Millions of kids run the risk of acquiring excessive myopia, which will cause permanent visual loss.

When myopia grows to -6.00 D or higher (severe myopia), a person may be at risk for:

  • a breach in the retina known as retinal tears
  • The retina separates from the back of the eye in a retinal detachment.
  • A disorder known as glaucoma that can harm the visual nerve
  • A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens.
  • Myopia-related macular ageing
  • A separation of the vitreous gel from the retina is known as a posterior vitreous detachment.
  • Damage to the optic nerve is called optic neuropathy.

What are atropine eye drops?

Eye drops containing atropine have long been used in medical offices. They enlarge the pupil while also paralysing the eye’s accommodating mechanism.

For pupil dilatation, eye doctors typically employ 1% atropine eye drops in their offices. Children need a lesser dose, such as 0.01%, 0.025%, or 0.05% concentration, to control their myopia.

It is unclear how exactly atropine inhibits the progression of myopia. Atropine generally has a better effect on controlling myopia at higher concentrations. Studies are being conducted to determine the best dose and protocol.

Side effects of atropine eye drops

The small amount of atropine in the eye drops used to treat myopia shouldn’t have a significant impact on the eyes’ ability to concentrate. It has been demonstrated that atropine doses used in paediatric myopia treatment only slightly impact pupil size and up-close vision.

The following are side effects of atropine eye drops:

Can eye drops improve vision in other eye conditions?

Presbyopia

The FDA has approved eye drops for presbyopia that use the medication pilocarpine, which constricts the pupil. This enables a brief improvement in vision by extending the field of vision.

Dry eye

People with dry eyes can use certain eye drops to regulate and replace their tears. Some patients’ eyesight may be improved by these drops by preserving a steady tear film, which is necessary for high visual acuity.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/eye-drops/can-eye-drops-improve-vision/
  • https://www.pediatricophthalmologypa.com/eye-library-5/atropine-for-the-treatment-of-near-sightedness-myopia-in-children/
  • https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20230214/eyedrops-could-prevent-nearsightedness-in-kids

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