About this Research Topic
Microbial communities of the ocular surface play a role in determining both the health and diseases of the ocular surface. The interplay between commensal microorganisms and the ocular surface maintains homeostasis that preserves the ocular surface health and prevents colonization by harmful pathogens. The innate defence arsenal of the ocular surface further helps in defending against pathogens in maintaining eye health. Imbalances in microbial composition cause dysbiosis which is associated with infections and diseases. Invading microbial pathogens can cause serious infections such as keratitis which is vision threatening. Alterations in ocular surface microbiota are also associated with dry eye disease, meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, trachoma, and contact lens related infections. The knowledge on involvement of microorganisms in shaping health and diseases of the ocular surface is still evolving.
This research topic seeks to describe the recent advances in understanding the influence of microorganisms in defining homeostasis and pathogenesis of the ocular surface, and the innate antimicrobial defence of the ocular surface. These aspects can aid in holistically evaluating the strengths and vulnerabilities of the ocular surface that may help in designing better approaches for managing ocular surface diseases.
This research topic invites studies that provide new insights into the role of microorganisms in maintaining health and causing diseases of the ocular surface, and the innate defence of the ocular surface. We welcome Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini-reviews, Systematic reviews, Technology Reports and Research Reports that involve, but not limited to, the following themes:
Functions of ocular surface microbes
Microbiota in ocular surface health
Effectors of innate host defence and evasion
Altered microbiota in ocular surface diseases
Microbial infections of the ocular surface
Infection/defence using OMICS approaches involving host, microbe, or both
This research topic seeks to describe the recent advances in understanding the influence of microorganisms in defining homeostasis and pathogenesis of the ocular surface, and the innate antimicrobial defence of the ocular surface. These aspects can aid in holistically evaluating the strengths and vulnerabilities of the ocular surface that may help in designing better approaches for managing ocular surface diseases.
This research topic invites studies that provide new insights into the role of microorganisms in maintaining health and causing diseases of the ocular surface, and the innate defence of the ocular surface. We welcome Original Research articles, Reviews, Mini-reviews, Systematic reviews, Technology Reports and Research Reports that involve, but not limited to, the following themes:
Functions of ocular surface microbes
Microbiota in ocular surface health
Effectors of innate host defence and evasion
Altered microbiota in ocular surface diseases
Microbial infections of the ocular surface
Infection/defence using OMICS approaches involving host, microbe, or both
Keywords: ocular surface microbiota, ocular surface infections, ocular surface health, innate ocular defence, ocular surface homeostasis
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
