Many chronic eye diseases (such as maculopathy, glaucoma, dry eye) may be influenced by systemic co‑factors, including low‑grade inflammation, metabolic status, microbiota balance and lifestyle. The aim of the clinical framework outlined here is to integrate, when useful and appropriate, these aspects with standard ophthalmological diagnostics, while keeping the eye examination and established treatment pathways at the centre of care.
Medical and ethical disclaimer
Metabolic, nutritional and microbiota‑related evaluations described on this page have an exclusively integrative and educational value. These approaches complement and do not in any way replace eye examination, official ophthalmological guidelines, ongoing pharmacological therapies or necessary surgical procedures for eye diseases. Any therapeutic change or introduction of tests/supplements must be discussed on an individual basis with the eye specialist and, when appropriate, with the general physician.
The diagram schematically represents systemic domains that may be considered alongside standard eye examination, when clinically appropriate and always as an addition to current therapeutic protocols.
- Carvalho C, et al. Systemic inflammation and age‑related eye disease. Ophthalmology. 2024.
- Bandello F, et al. Nutritional approaches in retinal disease. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2023.
- Chen Y, et al. Gut–eye axis in ocular surface disorders. Ocul Surf. 2022.
- AIMES – Associazione Italiana Medicina Sistemica. Linee di indirizzo per la gestione del paziente complesso. 2021.
Clinical and informational network
Theme‑focused websites curated by our medical practice, dedicated to specific aspects of ocular and systemic health.