More than Antibiotics: Latest Therapeutics in the Treatment and Prevention of Ocular Surface Infections

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Ocular surface infections are a persistent challenge for ophthalmologists.
• Traditional treatments (antibiotics, antivirals, steroids) face increasing bacterial resistance.
• Current therapies often fail to prevent vision-impairing complications like scarring and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging strategies for managing ocular surface infections.
• To highlight novel therapeutics and preventive approaches.
• To discuss advancements in ocular drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current management techniques.
• Exploration of stem-cell therapy, probiotics, and gene therapy.
• Analysis of preventive strategies targeting Toll-like receptors.
• Examination of recent developments in ocular drug-delivery systems.

Main Results:

• Emerging therapies show promise beyond simple microbial elimination.
• Stem-cell therapy, probiotics, and gene therapy offer new treatment avenues.
• Toll-like receptor modulation presents a potential preventive strategy.
• Advanced drug delivery systems can improve therapeutic bioavailability and efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Novel therapeutics and improved drug delivery are crucial for effective ocular infection management.
• Addressing inflammation and tissue damage is key to preserving visual acuity.
• Future clinical applications hold significant potential for patients with ocular surface infections.