Comorbidity of ocular and periodontal diseases: A literature review

A considerable proportion of ocular disorders represent manifestations of systemic diseases. Periodontal diseases rank among the most prevalent chronic conditions worldwide and are the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. In the early 21st century, the concept of periodontal medicine emerged, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship between periodontal pathology and systemic conditions. Despite the anatomical proximity of the eyes and the mouth, the association between ocular and periodontal diseases and the potential mechanisms underlying this link have received little attention in the Russian literature. This review summarizes current evidence on the comorbidity between ocular disorders and periodontal pathology. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases identified publications from January 1, 2011, to February 23, 2025, examining this association. Forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Epidemiological and clinical data suggest comorbidity between several ocular diseases–age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, dry eye disease, and uveitis–and periodontal pathology. Proposed mechanisms include hematogenous dissemination of periodontopathogenic microorganisms and inflammatory mediators, interactions along the oral–gut–eye axis, and indirect multimorbidity pathways, including oral–cardiometabolic–eye and oral–immune-mediated–eye links. The review highlights the need for further prospective studies to elucidate the association between prevalent and clinically significant ocular diseases and periodontal pathology. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the systemic consequences of periodontal diseases and their potential impact on ocular health.

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