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Antimicrobials May Prevent Blindness in Certain Inherited Eye Diseases, Study Suggests

A groundbreaking study reveals a potential new treatment avenue for inherited eye diseases linked to gut bacteria, offering hope for preventing blindness without gene therapy.

Crucially, treating these bacteria with antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, was able to prevent sight loss in the mice even though it did not rebuild the affected cell barriers in the eye. Credit: Neuroscience News
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Overview

  • Researchers discovered a link between gut bacteria and inherited eye diseases, suggesting antimicrobials could prevent blindness.
  • The study focused on the CRB1 gene, which when mutated, allows gut bacteria to infiltrate the eye and cause sight loss.
  • Antimicrobial treatment in mice prevented blindness without repairing the damaged cellular barriers, indicating a novel treatment strategy.
  • The findings could transform the treatment landscape for CRB1-associated eye conditions and potentially other eye diseases.
  • Further research is needed to confirm if this treatment approach is effective in humans.