Oral administration of a commercially available probiotic bacterial strain was found to improve dry eye disease in a mice model, according to researchers.

Dry eye is a common condition in which tears produced by the eye can't keep the eye adequately lubricated.

It can cause eye stinging and burning, inflammation, blurry vision and light sensitivity. Extreme cases can result in damage to the eye's surface if left untreated.

The most common treatments involve the application of eye drops, gels or ointment. This new, unconventional treatment involves bacteria in the intestinal tract.