[Modulation of immune mediated diseases of the eye].

The eye is the target of a variety of immune mediated diseases. Advances in the field of immunology have permitted a better understanding of these challenges. This progress has been accompanied by the development of more specific immunomodulating agents. Corticosteroids are still a major agent in the management of ocular immunomediated diseases, but are now supplemented by other potent immunomodulating agents. The excitement in pharmacological research has in turn provided more insight in immune mechanisms and some of the newer agents have been used as "probes" for a better understanding of basic mechanisms. In order to better evaluate the indications of certain agents, the properties of established and forthcoming agents are presented. The field of immunopharmacology includes a multitude of preclinical areas related to the development of immunotherapy and immunotoxicology. This review attempts to address some topics of the current knowledge of the use of immunomodulating agents in ophthalmology.