Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
05:05
Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Eyes with Glaucoma
Published on: January 26, 2018
Update on antibiotics in ocular infections
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 15, 1985
Summary
Ophthalmologists now have numerous antibiotics for ocular infections, a significant increase from the past. Continuous evaluation of antimicrobial benefits and risks is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic availability for ocular infections has expanded dramatically since the 1950s.
- Early ocular antibiotic options were limited, primarily to penicillin.
- Modern ophthalmology benefits from a wide array of antibiotics, many discovered through soil surveys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution and current landscape of antimicrobial agents in ophthalmology.
- To highlight the importance of ongoing assessment of new and existing antimicrobial drugs.
- To explore alternative approaches to managing ocular infections, including host immunity.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current antimicrobial drug availability in ophthalmology.
- Discussion of drug discovery methods, including natural sources and synthetic derivatives.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies beyond direct antimicrobial action.
Main Results:
- A vast selection of antibiotics, including synthetic derivatives, is now available for ocular infections.
- New antimicrobial agents require extensive evaluation to understand their long-term impact and side effects.
- Host-directed therapies, such as immunomodulatory drugs, represent a future direction.
Conclusions:
- The range of antimicrobial options for ocular infections has grown substantially.
- Long-term clinical data is essential for fully understanding the efficacy and safety of antimicrobials.
- Enhancing host immunity is a promising complementary strategy for treating ocular infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open 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...
01:23Ophthalmic 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...
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
01:28Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis
Bacterial pathogens depend on precise and efficient DNA replication to sustain infection. Two type II topoisomerases—DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV—are critical to this process, as they resolve DNA supercoiling and unlink chromosomes during replication. Fluoroquinolones, synthetic derivatives of quinolones, exploit this mechanism by stabilizing the transient DNA–enzyme cleavage complex, preventing strand religation, and causing lethal double-strand breaks. These antibiotics are selectively...