Ophthalmologic infections
Ophthalmologic conditions present some unique
challenges, based on the types of infection and ability
of drugs to access certain areas. However, topical
therapy facilitates treatment greatly in many cases
(Table 10.6). The blood–ocular barriers (i.e. blood–
retinal barrier that is equivalent to the blood–brain
barrier (BBB) and blood–aqueous barrier) affect the
ability of most systemic drugs to penetrate into the
eye (posterior and anterior segments, respectively),
thereby limiting the usefulness of this route. Certain
antimicrobials (i.e. chloramphenicol, sulfonamides)
penetrate this barrier better than others. Most drugs