Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Ultrasound Cyclo Plasty in Eyes with Glaucoma
Published on: January 26, 2018
Update on antibiotics in ocular infections
Abstract:
Each year, new antimicrobials are found or synthesized in an effort to improve the chance of overcoming infections. In the early 1950s, the only antibiotic available for ocular use was penicillin. Today, ophthalmologists can make a choice from a large selection of antibiotics for ocular infections. The majority of antibiotics have been literally unearthed, since worldwide soil surveys may have been the means of their discovery. In addition, synthetic derivatives of penicillin, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines, as well as drugs against tuberculosis and fungi, have become available, and new names have been added to the already bewildering list of less frequently used sulfonamides. However, it takes several years to appreciate the impact of new agents and the continued contribution of older ones. Constant reevaluation is mandatory. The real benefits as well as the untoward effects of a new antimicrobial agent may not be known until several years after the clinical introduction. In addition to approaching infection from the viewpoint of the offending organism and a specific antibiotic to address this organism, one may also approach this problem from the host's immunity. Until now, we have relied largely on the corticosteroids, but one must also consider various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and, even more importantly, the development of drugs to enhance the host's natural immunity.
Insights
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
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
01:25Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
01:28Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Synthesis