Could Your Gut Health Be Harming Your Eyes?

This Eye Health Month, we’re talking about the gut. Yup, you read that right. Turns out, your gut and eyes are more connected than you think. Research shows gut bacteria directly influence eye health. Keep reading to learn how—and what you can do to keep your vision sharp.

Gut Health & Eye Inflammation

When your gut health is out of whack, it can disrupt digestion and reduce nutrient absorption. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including in the eyes. Dry eyes, macular degeneration, uveitis, glaucoma, and retinal vein occlusions are all eye issues associated with inflammation that stems from an imbalanced gut (1). For this reason, a gut-healthy diet that includes probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids may help lower the risk of these eye diseases or reduce their severity.

Gut Bacteria & Eye Disease

Not all bacteria are created equal and there are some that your eyes like more than others. Certain strains of bacteria in the gut have been found to be beneficial for eye health while others are associated with an increased risk of disease such as AMD and glaucoma. For example, studies have found that the strains Dorea and Eubacterium ventriosum are linked to a higher risk of AMD (2, 3). Conversely, a study found that the strain Parabacteroides lowers the risk of AMD (3). This same study found that there are specific bacteria correlated with glaucoma, though it is unclear if the correlation was causative. However, the link between gut bacteria and eye health is still a new field of research with much to still be learned. Long story short: Certain gut bacteria have been linked to a greater risk for AMD and glaucoma, which underscores the importance of keeping your gut balanced.

Taking Care of Your Eyes

While gut health plays a role in eye health, traditional eye care methods are still essential. Here are some of the top tips for protecting eye health and vision:

1. Get An Eye Exam – Regular eye exams help detect early signs of eye conditions before they become severe. Even if you don’t have vision problems, comprehensive eye exams can catch issues like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration early, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
2. Protect Your Eyes From UV Light – Excessive exposure to UV light from the sun can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and sunburn of the cornea (4). Wearing sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, along with wide-brimmed hats, can help protect your eyes from long-term damage.
3. Manage Chronic Conditions – Diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases can negatively impact eye health. Keeping these conditions under control through diet, exercise, and medication when necessary can prevent complications such as diabetic retinopathy or hypertensive retinopathy.
4. Stay Hydrated – Dry eyes can be exacerbated by dehydration. Drinking plenty of water and using lubricating eye drops when necessary can help keep your eyes comfortable and reduce irritation.
5. Exercise For Gut & Eye Health – Regular exercise isn’t just good for your waistline—it benefits both gut and eye health. Physical activity promotes a diverse gut microbiome, reducing inflammation that could contribute to conditions like AMD and glaucoma (5). Exercise also improves circulation, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the eyes.
6. Eat An Eye-Healthy Diet – Nutrients like vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc support eye health. Leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes, fatty fish, eggs, and nuts are excellent sources of these essential nutrients.
7. Take A Supplement – Along with a healthy gut and lifestyle habits, adding a high-quality eye health supplement to your routine can provide essential nutrients for optimal vision. Research Verified Eye Health is formulated with lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry, and other clinically studied ingredients that support retinal function, reduce oxidative stress, and help maintain healthy vision as you age.

Nourish Your Vision And Protect Your Eyes

Conclusion

Taking care of your gut health for the sake of your eyes shouldn’t be the only thing you do for them – but it can be a complementary method of caring for your peepers. Going for annual check-ups, protecting your eyes from strain, staying hydrated, and consuming eye vitamins can go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy. By supporting your gut health alongside these habits, you add an extra layer of protection—helping you maintain clear, comfortable vision for years to come. And the best part? Caring for your gut and your eyes doesn’t have to be complicated. Research Verified offers science-backed supplements for both, giving your body the nutrients it needs to support better vision and overall health.

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