H-pylori attacks epithelium, burrows beneath and attaches to collagen, creates a portal for new pathogens to enter, and is a known cause of stomach ulcers. Stomach disease is a common co-morbid condition in eye disease, and H-pylori can reach the eye from the stomach via the vagus nerve, the immune system, or self-inoculation. In the eye, H-pylori can move from the front of the eye to the anterior chamber, vitreous, and the retina. H-pylori has been “associated” with blepharitis, ocular surface disease, glaucoma, retinal disease, and rosacea.
H-pylori can damage retinal epithelium and the retina, in the same way H-pylori damages other parts of the body. The literature has “associated” H-pylori with vitreous detachment, RPE (loose retinal epithelium), lattice degeneration, “idiopathic” central serous chorioretinopathy (ICSR), retinal holes or tears, and retinal detachment.
H-pylori is one potential cause of numerous eye diseases. Patients with eye diseases should be tested for H-pylori and other immortal pathogens, to identify pathogens and potential treatment plans to help preserve vision and prevent future vision loss.