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.

• 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.

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