title: Photosensitizing drugs and their possible role in enhancing ocular toxicity. Parker Heath memorial lecture.
abstract: During the past decade there has been a considerable resurgence of interest in the photochemical effects of ultraviolet radiation capable of penetrating through the cornea (300-400 nm), on the intraocular tissues. The ocular lens and retina have received the most attention. The last few decades have also witnessed the development of a new therapeutic regimen, namely photosensitizing (phototherapy), in which the patients are given known photosensitizing agents and exposed to nonionizing radiation (ultraviolet, and on occasion, visible radiation). Such therapy has caused some ocular side effects, which in most cases could have been prevented. Drugs that are known photosensitizers and are capable of intraocular penetration through the blood-aqueous and blood-retina barrier are discussed with respect to their known or potential photosensitizing and/or phototoxic effects on intraocular tissues.
mesh_terms: D000449:Aldehyde Reductase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000493:Allopurinol / Q000009:adverse effects; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000009:adverse effects; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005453:Fluorescence; D011564:Furocoumarins / Q000009:adverse effects; D006118:Griseofulvin / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010640:Phenothiazines / Q000009:adverse effects; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000009:adverse effects; D012176:Retinoids / Q000009:adverse effects; D013752:Tetracycline
chemical_list: D011564:Furocoumarins; D010640:Phenothiazines; D011166:Porphyrins; D012176:Retinoids; D006118:Griseofulvin; D000493:Allopurinol; D004317:Doxorubicin; D000449:Aldehyde Reductase; D013752:Tetracycline