Eyelid microbiota (N/A)

The eyelid surface is colonized by a complex community of microorganisms known as the eyelid microbiota, which primarily includes Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Propionibacterium, and Corynebacterium species (StatPearls, 2023). These bacteria play a dual role: commensal strains help maintain the ocular surface's homeostatic environment and prevent colonization by more virulent pathogens, while an overgrowth or dysbiosis is frequently associated with chronic inflammatory conditions like blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (NIH, 2021). In pathological states, these bacterial cells produce lipases and toxins that irritate the ocular surface and destabilize the tear film (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2022). Pharmacological targeting of these bacterial populations involves the use of broad-spectrum or targeted antibiotics, such as erythromycin or azithromycin, which inhibit bacterial protein synthesis or cell wall integrity (PubMed, 2020). Effective management of the eyelid microbiota is essential for resolving ocular surface inflammation and preventing complications such as keratitis or permanent eyelid scarring.

Other names

Eyelid floraOcular surface microbiomePalpebral bacteriaEyelid bacterial community

Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis, cell wall synthesis, or DNA replication