Gut microbiome! This term may be new to you, but it is connected to your eye health. Baffled? Well, fret not. In simple terms, the gut microbiome is a natural ecosystem of microorganisms that work 24/7 inside your digestive tract. 

Due to these microorganisms, your digestion, immune system, and production of certain vitamins become possible.

Thus the healthy gut microbiome ecosystem plays a major role in gut health which eventually improves eye wellness.

Crowfoot Optical Calgary professionals say many people don’t know that bad gut health can lead to various eye issues. 

Recent studies have proved that there is a strong connection between the gut microbiome and eye health. 

They believe that to keep your eyes healthy, you should be aware of your body’s digestive system.

How are the Gut Microbiome and Eye Health Connected?

Any issue with your gut microbiome ecosystem directly impacts your eyes and other parts of the body. If the gut microbiome becomes infected and imbalanced, it can lead to inflammation. 

This inflammation affects the eye after travelling through the bloodstream. Not only the eye, this inflammation affects other areas of the body.

Effects of an Imbalanced Gut Microbiome on the Eyes

AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration)

These days AMD is increasing at a rapid rate among older adults. There are various reasons eye diseases like AMD develop in old age individuals, and out of many one is gut dysbiosis. 

Senior optometrists and eye specialists have shared many times in interviews, forums, and debates that the imbalance of the microbiome system seriously conducts the development of AMD. 

It increases oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Thus for old age people, it becomes crucial to maintain a healthy microbiome system to prevent the development of AMD.

Dry Eye Syndrome

As shared above the poor gut microbiome leads to the development of inflammation in the body resulting in the disturbance of tear production and leading to dry eye syndrome. 

Various studies have shared that a sudden downfall in the good gut bacteria impacts the body’s ability to streamline inflammation which generally results in the development of symptoms like burning, redness and discomfort.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a silent thief of vision which results in blindness by affecting the optic nerve. There may be various other causes of Glaucoma but a disbalance in the gut microbiome ecosystem can also be one of them.

A weak immune system results in less nourishment for the optic nerve. Imbalanced gut bacteria cause a poor immune system which can leave you with increased pressure on the optic nerve. A sudden disbalance in the level of eye pressure causes vision loss.

How to improve Gut health for better eye health?

Now you may have understood how important it is to improve gut health to keep yourself away from vision loss and another eye disease. Follow the below-given steps to improve your gut health.

Focus on a Balanced Diet: While consuming your regular meals pay attention to enhancing meal quality by adding sides such as salad, fruits, and yogurt. And foods rich in lean proteins. Do add omega-3 fatty acids-rich foods to your diet. All these help in the reduction of inflammation and improve dry eye symptoms.

Keep Yourself Hydrated: Say no to carbonated drinks and drink plenty of mineral water. Proper intake of mineral water supports digestion and keeps your gut healthy. It also raises tear production which is good to keep you safe from eye dryness issues.

Final Words!

Optometrist of Crowfoot Optical Calgary shares how to stay attentive to keep your gut microbiome balanced and healthy. You should take care of your gut through a balanced diet to protect your vision. 

Along with focusing on gut health, you should not skip your regular eye exam schedule as it is the best way to diagnose eye disease and tackle it accordingly.