Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

07:12
Spatio-Temporal In Vivo Imaging of Ocular Drug Delivery Systems using Fiberoptic Confocal Laser Microendoscopy
Published on: September 27, 2021
Recent developments in chemotherapy of ocular diseases
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine.
Summary
Organisms causing ocular infections are evolving, with resistant strains emerging despite advanced antibiotics. New administration routes like iontophoresis and understanding endotoxin effects are crucial for effective intraocular infection therapy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- The spectrum of causative agents in ocular infections has shifted, with increasing prevalence of gram-negative, mixed, and anaerobic organisms alongside staphylococci.
- Antibiotic resistance remains a significant challenge in treating intraocular infections, necessitating continuous evaluation of therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the changing landscape of ocular pathogens and discuss current therapeutic approaches for intraocular infections.
- To explore novel antibiotic administration methods and the role of endotoxins in infection pathogenesis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on ocular infections, antibiotic resistance, and novel drug delivery systems.
- Analysis of the impact of different antibiotics on endotoxin release and subsequent intraocular inflammation.
Main Results:
- Emergence of resistant bacterial strains, including gram-negative organisms, poses a growing threat to ocular health.
- Iontophoresis presents a potential alternative route for antibiotic delivery, possibly reducing the need for intravitreal injections.
- Antibiotic selection can influence endotoxin release, impacting the management of severe intraocular infections.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of intraocular infections requires a thorough understanding of evolving microbial profiles and antibiotic resistance patterns.
- Novel drug delivery systems and strategies to mitigate endotoxin-induced damage are essential for improving patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...

