Background: In recent years, eye diseases have become increasingly common medical issues, partially due to the rise in contact lens users. Conditions such as conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye), keratitis, corneal ulcers, and trachoma are spreading widely across the globe. Methods: Different search engines were used to collect the data relating to ophthalmic infections and associated pathogens. Results: The bacterial pathogens identified as causes of eye infections include Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Neisseria sp., and Bacillus sp., which primarily lead to corneal diseases. In the United States, the annual incidence of microbial keratitis is approximately 30,000 cases. While bacterial eye infections are effectively treated with antibiotics that can eliminate the pathogens, they do not reverse the damage already inflicted by bacterial toxins. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) derived from traditional fermentation processes are recognized for their antibacterial properties and are effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The dominant LAB found in Sichuan pickles is Lactobacillus plantarum. Bacteriocins are proteinaceous or peptidic toxins produced by bacteria to inhibit the growth of similar or closely related bacterial strains. Antimicrobial agents play a crucial role in reducing the global burden of infectious diseases. However, as resistant pathogens develop and spread, the effectiveness of these antibiotics diminishes, posing a serious threat to public health. This resistance is increasingly prevalent across all types of antibiotics, including critical last-resort medications. Conclusion: A collaborative scientific approach that encompasses various disciplines is necessary to unlock the vast potential of bacteriocins in shaping the microbiome. Furthermore, there is a need for the development of new antimicrobial agents with optimized pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties that exhibit low toxicity, high efficacy, and a reduced risk of resistance development.

Key words: Antibiotics, Antimicrobial agents, Bacteriocins, Pathogens, Plantrum and microbiome