The gut-brain axis is common knowledge, but did you know that the gut is also connected to the eyes?
When parents think about supporting their children’s vision, they often focus on limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor play, or scheduling regular eye exams. While these are essential steps, another key factor that often goes unnoticed is gut health.
The connection between gut health and eye health—known as the gut-eye axis—is gaining attention as researchers uncover how the gut microbiome (the trillions of microorganisms in the digestive tract) influences vision and eye conditions. This surprising link explains why some children with poor gut health experience recurring eye issues, ranging from visual processing challenges to dry eyes and inflammatory conditions like uveitis. Understanding this connection can help parents address the root causes of their children’s vision issues and take proactive steps to improve gut and eye health.
WHAT IS THE GUT-EYE AXIS?
The gut, often called the “second brain,” plays a significant role in regulating inflammation, nutrient absorption, and immune responses. When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced—a condition called gut dysbiosis—it can lead to systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction. Harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS), produced by bad bacteria, can leak into the bloodstream and trigger inflammation throughout the body, including in the eyes. This inflammatory cascade can contribute to various eye conditions, particularly in children with autoimmune or digestive issues.
Suppose we already recognise the connection between gut health and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), where dysbiosis leads to brain inflammation and cognitive challenges. In that case, it makes sense that the eyes, closely connected to the brain, could also be affected.
EYE CONDITIONS & GUT HEALTH
Several eye conditions that affect children may have surprising links to gut health.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eyes in children are becoming more common, often attributed to increased screen time; however, the gut plays a critical role in regulating inflammation, which can directly affect eye lubrication. An unhealthy gut microbiome may lead to chronic inflammation, disrupting tear production and the overall health of the eye’s surface.
Children with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are particularly prone to dry eye syndrome. Studies show that IBS and dry eye disease often coexist due to shared inflammatory pathways. Nutrient malabsorption caused by IBS can also lead to a vitamin A deficiency, which is essential for tear production and eye surface health.1 Symptoms of dry eye syndrome in kids include redness, burning or stinging sensations, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and blurred vision.
Convergence Insufficiency & Tracking Issues
Convergence insufficiency, where the eyes struggle to work together when focusing on near objects, and tracking issues, which affect a child’s ability to follow moving objects and read smoothly, are often misdiagnosed or overlooked. These conditions share many symptoms with ADHD, such as:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue during reading
- Poor attention
The gut-brain connection plays a role in motor control and cognitive function, so gut dysbiosis may exacerbate these visual challenges. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, it’s worth exploring whether an underlying visual or gut-related issue could be contributing to their symptoms.
Uveitis
This is a serious inflammatory condition affecting the middle layer of the eye (i.e., the uvea). It can cause redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. If left untreated, uveitis can lead to permanent vision damage or blindness. The inflammation seen in uveitis may be triggered by bacterial, viral, and in rare cases, fungal or parasitic infections. Autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are also closely linked to uveitis.
LEARNING CHALLENGES
Visual processing issues, such as difficulty reading or following instructions, are among the most overlooked conditions related to gut health. Often, the focus is placed solely on the brain or the eyes, but the gut’s influence on brain inflammation and cognitive function can indirectly impact visual processing.
If your child struggles with learning challenges, addressing gut health may improve their focus, emotional regulation, and ability to process visual information, helping them thrive in school.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Diet
Parents play a vital role in nurturing their children’s gut and vision health. The first step is creating a gut-friendly diet that supports a diverse microbiome. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and include probiotic-rich options like yoghurt, kefir, or sauerkraut, which introduce beneficial bacteria. Prebiotic foods like bananas, garlic, and onions nourish these good bacteria, while fibre-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promote microbial diversity. Reducing sugary and processed foods is also important, as these can disrupt the gut microbiome and contribute to inflammation.
Vitamins & Minerals
Diet alone isn’t enough; ensuring your child receives key nutrients like vitamin A (in foods like carrots and sweet potatoes), that directly support eye health, is essential. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish and walnuts, help reduce inflammation and improve eye lubrication, while zinc, found in pumpkin seeds and chickpeas, supports immune function and vision. If recurring gut or eye issues persist, consider consulting a functional health practitioner for gut testing. This can identify imbalances, such as bacterial overgrowth or nutrient absorption issues, and help create a personalised plan to restore gut and overall health.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle habits also play a critical role in reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Encourage your child to stay hydrated, prioritise consistent sleep routines, and incorporate stress management techniques like daily exercise, mindfulness, or even simple deep-breathing exercises. These practices not only support mental well-being but also enhance the gut-brain-eye connection.
Don’t overlook the importance of regular, comprehensive eye exams. These yearly visits go beyond checking vision clarity. Choose an optometrist who evaluates how the eyes work together, focus, and track. These assessments can uncover underlying issues that might otherwise be missed, especially in children with autoimmune or digestive concerns.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The connection between gut health and the eyes highlights the importance of viewing your child’s body as an interconnected system. By supporting your child’s gut health with a balanced diet, proper nutrients, and stress management, you’re not only improving their digestion and immune system but also protecting their vision for years to come. As researchers continue to uncover the complexities of the gut-eye axis, parents have the opportunity to be proactive by nurturing their children’s health from the inside out. If your child is experiencing recurring eye issues, consider working with a practitioner who understands the gut-eye connection. Together, you can create a plan that supports both gut and eye health, ensuring a healthier future and improved eye health for your child.
