In Episode 85 of The Eye-Q Podcast™, Dr. Rani Banik sits down with ophthalmologist and functional medicine practitioner Dr. Radka Toms to explore the emerging science of the gut–eye connection.

Your gut microbiome plays an important role in immune regulation, metabolism, and inflammation throughout the body. When that microbial ecosystem becomes imbalanced—a condition known as dysbiosis—it may influence organs far beyond the digestive tract, including the eyes.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What the gut–eye axis is and why ophthalmologists are paying attention
• How the gut microbiome interacts with the immune system
• The possible connection between gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation
• Why intestinal barrier health may matter beyond digestive symptoms
• Eye conditions being studied in relation to gut and metabolic health
• The potential links with dry eye, rosacea, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration
• How blood sugar regulation and metabolic health can affect the eyes
• Why treating symptoms alone may not address the complete picture
• How nutrition and lifestyle habits can support a healthier microbiome
• Why fiber-rich foods, dietary diversity, and fermented foods may be helpful
• When testing or personalized functional medicine support may be appropriate

Dr. Toms also shares how her personal health journey led her to explore nutrition, metabolic health, and root-cause approaches to chronic disease.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Can poor gut health affect your eyes?
What is the gut–eye axis?
Can inflammation in the gut contribute to dry eye?
Is there a link between the microbiome and glaucoma?
How are blood sugar and eye health connected?
Can changing your diet improve eye health?
Should you take a probiotic for your eyes?
What foods support a healthy gut microbiome?

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr. Radka Toms is an ophthalmologist, functional medicine practitioner, and integrative nutrition health coach with a special interest in nutritional ophthalmology, metabolic health, and the gut–eye axis. Her work bridges conventional eye care with personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies to support patients with conditions including dry eye, glaucoma, rosacea, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.