"Gut Bacteria's Role in Vision Loss: A Surprising Connection to Eye Health"
A study has linked gut bacteria to genetic mutations causing blindness, specifically in cases of the Crumbs homolog 1 (CRB1) gene associated with Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa. The mutation compromises the body's defenses, allowing harmful gut bacteria to enter the eye and trigger sight loss. Treating the bacteria with antimicrobial agents prevented blindness in mouse models, suggesting a potential avenue for treatment, with implications for transforming treatment for CRB1-associated eye diseases and the possibility of targeting gut bacteria to prevent blindness in affected individuals.