Microbial flora of eyelid and eyelash surface

The microbial flora on eyelid/lash surface refers to the community of microorganisms (mainly bacteria) found on the surface of the eyelid and eyelashes, not a single molecule, gene, or protein. As such, it is not a canonical drug target like a receptor, enzyme, or transporter. The microbial flora of the eyelid and eyelash surface refers to the diverse communities of bacteria and other microorganisms colonizing the eyelid margin and lashes. The most commonly reported bacterial genera include Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Propionibacterium, as well as Lactobacillus, Ralstonia, Bacteroides, Acinetobacter, among others. These communities help maintain ocular surface health by competing with pathogenic organisms and modulating local immune responses. Disruptions to these communities (dysbiosis) are associated with eye conditions such as blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and ocular infections. Therapeutic interventions typically address the microbiome as a whole (e.g., with antibiotics or antiseptics) rather than targeting a specific molecular entity. Changes in the relative abundance of specific bacteria (notably Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium) are considered important biomarkers for health and disease of the eyelid margins. Selecting interventions requires consideration of the risk of dysbiosis, antibiotic resistance, and negative shifts in the microbial ecosystem.

Other names

Eyelid/lash surface microbiotaOcular surface microbiomeOcular surface flora

Inhibition or killing of bacterial species Modulation of microbial community composition Reduction of microbial load to prevent or treat inflammation/infection