Entopsis is proud to support Dr. Kara Cavuoto’s research aimed at better understanding the microbiome of the pediatric eye.
The goal of our collaboration is to define the composition of the ocular surface microbial flora in children using novel culture-independent methods. Our hypothesis is that the microbiome of the ocular surface evolves with age. Additionally, we hypothesize that disruption of the normal ocular surface microbial community via antibiotics or other ocular therapies predisposes the eye to infection and disease. With the results of our pilot study, we will be able to create an ocular surface microbiome profile which would lend insight on the ocular surface as a reservoir for potential pathogens and as a marker of disease states.
Kara Cavuoto is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Clinical Pediatrics at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Bascom Palmer as the Best in Ophthalmology since 2004.