title: Pharmacological treatment for infectious corneal ulcers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cornea ulceration and infectious keratitis are leading causes of corneal morbidity and blindness. Infectious causes are among the most frequent and most severe. Management strategies for bacterial corneal ulcers have changed significantly over the last decades, however with a more limited progress in the treatment and management of nonbacterial, infectious ulcers.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper provides an overview of the current principles, strategies and treatment choices for infectious corneal ulcers in adults.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical application with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial remains the preferred method for the pharmacological management of infectious corneal ulcers. Increasing reports of clinical failures and in vitro resistance to antibiotics to treat the most common infectious (bacterial) corneal ulcers are increasing concerns. New approaches for improvement in the pharmacological management of corneal ulcers should focus on strategies for a more rational and evidence-based use of current antimicrobials and development of products to modulate the host immune response and to neutralize microbial toxins and other immune modulators.
authors: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital, Miami, Florida 33136, USA. dmiller@med.miami.edu
authors: Darlene
authors: D
authors: Miller
mesh_terms: D060433:Administration, Ophthalmic; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D015822:Eye Infections, Parasitic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D021261:Parasitic Sensitivity Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents