Critical insights into the ocular surface microbiome: the need to standardize.

Data from the literature indicates that the human ocular surface is inhabited by diverse commensal microbial communities, crucial for maintaining the homeostasis of healthy eyes. The ocular surface microbiome (OSM) plays a protective immunoregulatory role against pathogenic species, and any dysbiosis may contribute to disease onset. Traditional culture methods, employed in both clinical and research settings, have limitations.